Leaders, policy makers and urban development experts from across Africa will gather in Nairobi next month to explore how housing can be transformed into a key driver of economic growth across Africa.
The conference will be held during the second African Urban Forum (AUF2), scheduled for April 8-10 at the Kenyatta International Conference Center, and will bring together African heads of government, ministers, mayors, governors, investors and development partners.
Organized by the Government in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the forum will focus on positioning housing and urban development as drivers of job creation, investment and sustainable economic transformation.
The forum will be held under the theme ‘Decent Housing for All: Driving socio-economic and environmental transformation to realize Agenda 2063’.
Kenya’s Cabinet Minister for Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome said the gathering provides a platform for African governments to rethink housing beyond shelter and instead see it as a catalyst for economic growth.
“We are honored to host Africa and the World in Nairobi for AUF2. As Africa’s cities expand rapidly, we need to reimagine housing as a driver of economic opportunity, innovation and environmental sustainability,” Wahome said.
Africa is currently experiencing the fastest urban population growth in the world.
By 2050, nearly two-thirds of the continent’s population is expected to live in urban areas, increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and urban services.
Officials say this rapid urbanization also presents significant economic opportunities if governments invest strategically in housing, infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
According to the African Union, the forum will help accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term strategy for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Kenya’s representative to the African Union, Mary Mbore Kariuki, said AUF2 will focus on linking urban development and economic transformation.
“Africa’s next frontier lies in building green and resilient cities – cities that withstand the shocks of climate change while creating economic opportunities for their people,” she said.
Discussions during the forum will focus on affordable housing provision, innovative financing models, climate-resilient infrastructure, smart city technologies, and inclusive urban growth strategies.
Participants are also expected to explore investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure, strengthening partnerships between governments, development agencies and the private sector.
The hosting of this event further strengthens Nairobi’s role as a hub for global urban policy dialogue, supported by the presence of UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi.
The forum will conclude with the Nairobi Declaration, which will outline a roadmap for the continent aimed at scaling up sustainable urban development and increasing Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.
