– Kenya strengthens its role as a continental hub for urban diplomacy and sustainable infrastructure innovation
The Government of the Republic of Kenya, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), has formally declared its readiness to host the Second African Urban Forum (AUF2) scheduled for April 8-10, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) in Nairobi.
Held under the theme ‘Decent Housing for All: Driving socio-economic and environmental transformation to realize Agenda 2063’, AUF2 will bring together heads of state, heads of government, ministers, mayors, governors, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, youth and urban practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
Africa is experiencing the world’s fastest urban population growth and is at a critical juncture. By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africans are expected to live in urban areas, presenting both unprecedented opportunities for economic transformation and urgent challenges related to access to housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and comprehensive urban planning.
CS State Department of Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome said Kenya is ready to welcome Africa and the world to Nairobi.
“We are honored to host Africa and the World at AUF2 in Nairobi. As Africa’s cities rapidly expand, they must reimagine housing as a driver of economic opportunity, innovation and environmental sustainability. This forum provides a unique platform to accelerate practical solutions and partnerships that will transform the urban lives of millions of Africans.”
AUF2 is a continental platform that supports the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Africa’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The forum will also contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Cities Agenda through partnerships, investments and knowledge exchange.
The African Union Commission (AUC) underlined the strategic importance of AUF2 in shaping the future of Africa’s cities and strengthening cooperation between the continents around sustainable development priorities.
Dr. Mary Mbore Kariuki, Representative of the African Union to Kenya, said: “Africa’s next frontier lies in building green and resilient cities, ones that withstand the shocks of climate change while delivering economic opportunities for their people. AUF2 will provide a continental platform to deepen policy coherence, mobilize partnerships and scale up innovative investments in sustainable housing, infrastructure and urban services.”
The forum will focus on practical solutions such as affordable housing, urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, financing mechanisms, smart city innovations, and inclusive growth models. It also provides a platform to showcase African-led solutions and strengthen cooperation between governments, development agencies and the private sector.
Home to UN-Habitat and a growing ecosystem of multilateral organizations, Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a venue for global urban dialogue. Potential AUF2 partners include UN-Habitat, development finance institutions, local economic communities, private sector innovators, and international development partners working to advance sustainable urbanization across Africa.
In addition to policy dialogue, the forum will focus on investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure, innovative financing mechanisms, smart urban planning, climate adaptation strategies, and inclusive development models.
A key outcome of AUF2 is the Nairobi Declaration, which is expected to establish a continental roadmap for sustainable urban development and increase Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.
Kenya has completed all preparations in collaboration with the African Union Commission and partners and looks forward to welcoming delegates, partners and media to Nairobi.
For registration and other details, please visit https://auf2.go.ke/.
