Africa stands at a critical juncture in its urban development, experiencing unprecedented demographic expansion with its urban population projected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanization presents immense opportunities for socio-economic transformation, yet also harbour formidable challenges, particularly concerning climate change, vast infrastructure deficits, and the proliferation of slums and informal settlements. This chapter examines the complex intersection of urbanization—particularly as demand for residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure is set to rise—and building decarbonization in Africa. It highlights that conventional urban development approach, which relies on a “take-use-dispose” model, offers a detrimental future for the continent, since it drives significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gases, Africa bears a disproportionate responsibility and opportunity to either worsen or significantly improve the trajectory of climate change. Drawing from recent case studies and policy developments, the chapter underscores the imperative for Africa to holistically embrace innovative, context-specific approaches to accommodate its burgeoning populace, recognizing the continent’s heterogeneous development context. The chapter further proposes leveraging indigenous building materials and vernacular construction techniques, strengthening governance through tailored national and sub-regional policies, and fostering public–private partnerships for green climate financing. It critically advocates for community-centric, in-situ upgrading of slums and informal developments over displacement, underscoring that equitable, low-carbon urban development is essential for harnessing Africa’s demographic potential towards a sustainable future.