Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa are undergoing massive socio-spatial transformations. Many old inner-city neighborhoods are being demolished to give way to modern commercial and residential developments, and generally, to a more modern living environment. These ambitions often lead to displacement and resettlement projects that affect the livelihoods of millions of people, including many from informal settlements. Given the novelty of urban space transformations in Sub-Saharan African countries, empirical research on the impacts on affected urban households is rare.

Based on research conducted in Kigali, Rwanda, this paper discusses the livelihood impacts of urban redevelopment and disaster risk mitigation induced resettlement projects on affected informal settlement households.