The African chapter of the charter city platform Próspera is on the cusp of launching its first private city on the continent, with an official announcement expected before the end of the year. The proposed autonomous city, to span between 750 and 1000 hectares, will dwarf Monaco in size and marks a new chapter for alternative governance models in Africa.
Próspera gained international attention for its flagship project on the island of Roatán in Honduras — a Silicon Valley-backed startup city designed as a hub for biotech and longevity ventures. However, that initiative is now entangled in a $11 billion arbitration battle with the Honduran government, following the repeal of the Zede law that enabled the project.
In contrast, Próspera Africa is carving a distinct path under the leadership of Senegalese entrepreneur and co-founder Magatte Wade. Her vision is grounded in local relevance, long-term partnerships, and inclusive prosperity.
“When people hear ‘charter cities’, they think it’s one big, same bucket,” Wade noted during the New Cities Summit in Nairobi. “But there is a spectrum.” She likens the governance platform to software that enables different types of cities based on investor visions and local needs.
Próspera cities operate under tailor-made legal, tax, and administrative systems modeled on global best practices. In Africa, discussions are most advanced with two unnamed nations — one in West Africa, the other in the Southeast — both vying to host the continent’s inaugural city.
Crucially, Wade is focused on ensuring that these cities serve local populations. “I’m in it for the jobs and the income it’s going to provide,” she said. “I want ordinary Africans to see themselves in these projects.”
To avoid the legal pitfalls of the Roatán model, Próspera Africa is working with governments that have demonstrated respect for international agreements. “We’ve made sure to approach nations that have a long tradition of sticking to their word,” Wade affirmed.
The African initiative will include federal representation on its governing council, ensuring shared accountability. “I don’t want human prosperity to happen at the expense of human rights or environmental rights,” she added.
