Spatial planning is a key instrument for establishing long-term, sustainable frameworks for social, territorial and economic development both within and between countries.Its primary role is to enhance the integration between sectors such as housing, transport, energy and industry, and to improve national and local systems of urban and rural development, also taking into account environmental considerations.

Effective spatial planning helps to avoid the duplication of efforts by actors such as government departments, commercial developers, communities and individuals. This is of great importance, as many of the above issues are of a cross-sectoral nature and therefore should be treated as such.

Achieving the African Renaissance demands the sustainable and equitable use of the continents resources in meeting the demands of the community, market and government on the African Geo-space.