Factors driving inter-municipal cooperation in the African Metropolis: A qualitative comparative analysis

While existing literature identifies various factors driving inter-municipal cooperation (IMC), it remains unclear which factor(s) matter most. This paper employs a qualitative, multi-method empirical strategy (including most similar systems design, interviews, document review and a crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)) to determine the necessary and sufficient factor(s) for IMC success. Focusing on transportation infrastructure projects in three African metropolises, the findings show that “success”, implied as a commitment to cooperation, does not depend on an overarching or necessary factor. However, the availability of financial incentives or political alignment between the preferences of local government officials and their principals is sufficient for IMC success. By identifying the most relevant context-specific factors, this paper provides new insights into metropolitan governance for the strategic facilitation of IMC in African cities. • Existing literature identifies various factors driving inter-municipal cooperation (IMC), but remains unclear which factor(s) matter most. • This paper employs a qualitative, multi-method empirical strategy including Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to determine the necessary and sufficient factor(s) for IMC success in three African metropolises. • Key findings reveal that no single factor is necessary for IMC success, but financial incentives or political alignment between local officials and their principals are sufficient to drive cooperation. • By identifying the most relevant context-specific factors, the paper provides new insights into metropolitan governance for a strategic facilitation of IMC in African cities.