The edited collection, African Urban Creativity: Exploring Creative Economies Within and Beyond the Cities, seeks to contribute to understanding creative economies in Africa, specifically the urban dynamics of creativity and the urbanisation of the creative economy. In doing so, it also acknowledges the role of the periphery and rural settings within their inputs and dialogic relation to the city. The book contains six original contributions from academic researchers and creative practitioners, bringing together a range of disciplinary perspectives and presenting case studies from across the continent (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa). The book is structured in two parts. Part 1 explores different dynamics of urban culture, identities and local development opportunities. Part 2 focuses on the complex dialogue between cities and their peripheries or rural settings. The editors’ conclusions reflect key themes of leadership, social and cultural development and urban-rural connectivity, and present implications of policy and practice. This text provides readers with empirical insights from Africa that can lead to more research, debate and policy engagement on the sustainable development of creative economies in Africa. This edited collection launches the new book series Routledge Focus on Creative Economies in Africa.