This 2-year project aimed at embedding a partnership-based approach to upgrading. The project combined research, facilitation, convening dialogues, media and advocacy. In 2012, the main focus was on strengthening the role, coherence and strategic position of the urban sector NGOs in this respect. In 2013, the focus shifted to documenting practices and lessons related to informal settlement upgrading in South Africa. This involved convening writing workshops and knowledge exchange sessions between different stakeholders involved in informal settlement upgrading, which culminated in the edited volume Upgrading informal settlements in South Africa: A partnership-based approach (published by UCT Press in 2016) ISBN: 9781775820833. The research and publication process was executed in partnership with the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town.