This work concerns the theme of “sustainable cities and territories” evoked by many players in France, in Africa and internationally. It is intended primarily for “Habitat” decision-makers and officials in the ministries and local and regional authorities concerned, but also for other stakeholders in the sector (craftsmen and entrepreneurs, professional organisations, academic and professional training centres, research centres, NGOs, etc.). Drawing on the experience of the last few decades in this field, it aims to promote a Sustainable Development approach to meet the immense construction needs in Africa, based on rational and sustainable use of local materials. For this purpose, it presents in a concise and educational way the benefits, the questions which are raised and the prerequisite conditions for the use of these materials. In addition to examples of technical solutions illustrated by an overview of the potential (bio-based and geosourced) resources of the territories concerned, it provides some elements for analysis of the impact of local short production chains and some methodological elements. It also highlights the need for matching between architectural design and the specific characteristics of the materials available locally, which could be summarised as “the right material in the right place”.