Kenya, African Union Ready to Host Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi

The Government of Kenya, working together with the African Union Commission (AUC), has announced its readiness to host the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2) scheduled to take place from April 8–10, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

The forum will be held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063.”

The high-level gathering is expected to bring together African Heads of State and Government, ministers, city mayors, governors, urban planners, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, academia and youth representatives to discuss Africa’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.

AUF2 takes place at a critical time for the continent, as Africa continues to experience the fastest rate of urban population growth globally. By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africa’s population is projected to live in urban areas, intensifying the need for sustainable housing, resilient infrastructure, climate-conscious planning and inclusive economic opportunities.

Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, said Kenya is honoured to host the continental forum and facilitate dialogue on Africa’s urban future.

“We are honoured to host Africa and the world in Nairobi for AUF2. As African cities expand rapidly, we 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 urban living for millions of Africans,” she said.

The forum is designed to support the implementation of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development blueprint aimed at achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent. AUF2 will also contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda through strengthened partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki, the African Union Representative in Kenya, emphasized the importance of building resilient and sustainable cities across Africa.

“The next frontier for Africa lies in building cities that are both green and resilient — cities capable of withstanding climate shocks while unlocking economic opportunities for their citizens. AUF2 will provide a continental platform to deepen policy coherence, mobilize partnerships and scale transformative investments in sustainable housing, infrastructure and urban services,” she said.

Discussions during the forum will focus on affordable housing delivery, urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative financing models, smart city technologies and inclusive growth frameworks.

The event will also provide a platform to showcase African-led urban solutions and encourage collaboration between governments, development institutions and the private sector.

As host city, Nairobi continues to reinforce its role as a global centre for urban development dialogue, supported by the presence of the United Nations human settlements programme, UN-Habitat, and a wide network of international organisations headquartered in the Kenyan capital.

Expected participants and partners include development finance institutions, regional economic communities, private sector innovators and international development partners committed to promoting sustainable urbanisation across Africa.

A major outcome of AUF2 will be the Nairobi Declaration, which is expected to outline a continental roadmap for sustainable urban development and strengthen Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.

Kenya says preparations for the forum have been completed in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners, as the country prepares to welcome delegates, stakeholders and media from across Africa and the world to Nairobi.