In summary
As Africa’s urban population soars, leaders from across the continent will gather in Nairobi this April to develop a plan for “decent housing for all.” The main focus is on building “climate resilient” cities that leverage green technology to protect residents from weather shocks while creating new jobs. It is hoped that the event will create a historic roadmap for urban development, allowing African cities to become better planned, funded and more inclusive.
Kenya is stepping onto the world stage as it prepares to host the second African Urban Forum (AUF2) at KICC this April.
With nearly two-thirds of Africans expected to live in cities by 2050, the continent faces a huge need for better housing and stronger infrastructure.
This high-level meeting will bring together presidents, mayors, and private investors to find practical ways to build affordable housing and “smart cities.”
By focusing on green energy and new ways to finance construction, the forum aims to turn Africa’s rapid urban growth into a major economic win for millions of people.
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Rethinking housing as an economic driver
As African cities expand at unprecedented rates, AUF2 stakeholders aim to pivot the conversation towards housing as a key catalyst for innovation and environmental sustainability.
Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary of the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasized that this forum will serve as a platform to accelerate practical partnerships.
The forum is in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to transform urban lives for millions by addressing urgent challenges in access to infrastructure and socio-economic transformation.
Strengthening climate resilience and infrastructure
A central pillar of the next forum will be the development of green and resilient cities that can withstand the shocks of climate change while unlocking their economic potential.
Dr Mary Mbore Kariuki, African Union Representative in Kenya, said AUF2 will focus on deepening policy coherence and mobilizing large-scale investment in sustainable urban services.
The agenda will include specialized discussions on smart city innovation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and new financing mechanisms designed to scale innovative investments across the continent’s diverse urban landscapes.
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Nairobi Declaration and Continental Roadmap
As the host city and home of UN-Habitat, Nairobi is in a position to lead the drafting of the Nairobi Declaration, which is expected to be the forum’s main outcome.
This document aims to establish a definitive continental roadmap for urban development and expand Africa’s influence in global policy debates.
The forum will include a broad ecosystem of partners, including development finance institutions and private sector innovators, all focused on showcasing African-led solutions for affordable housing delivery and inclusive growth models.
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