– Kenya strengthens its role as a continental hub for urban diplomacy and sustainable infrastructure innovation
The Government of the Republic of Kenya, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), have officially declared their readiness to host the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2), scheduled for 8–10 April 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Held under the theme: “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063” AUF2 will convene Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Mayors, Governors, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, youth and urban practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
It comes at a critical moment as Africa undergoes the fastest urban population growth globally. 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 housing access, infrastructure, climate resilience and inclusive urban planning.
Alice Wahome, CS State Department for Housing & Urban Development, said Kenya is ready to welcome Africa and the world to Nairobi.
“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.
AUF2 is a continental platform supporting 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 Urban Agenda through partnerships, investments and knowledge exchange.
The African Union Commission (AUC) emphasized the strategic importance of AUF2 in shaping Africa’s urban future and strengthening continental cooperation around sustainable development priorities.
Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki, African Union Representative, Kenya noted: “The next frontier for Africa lies in building cities that are both green and resilient, cities that can withstand 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.”
The Forum will focus on practical solutions including affordable housing delivery, urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, financing mechanisms, smart cities innovation and inclusive growth models. It will also provide a platform for showcasing African-led solutions and strengthening collaboration between governments, development institutions and the private sector.
As home to UN-Habitat and a growing ecosystem of multilateral organisations, Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a convening centre for global urban dialogue. Expected partners for AUF2 include UN-Habitat, development finance institutions, regional economic communities, private sector innovators and international development partners committed to advancing sustainable urbanisation across Africa.
In addition to policy dialogue, the Forum will highlight investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure, innovative financing mechanisms, smart urban planning, climate adaptation strategies and inclusive development models.
A key outcome of AUF2 will be the Nairobi Declaration, expected to establish a continental roadmap for sustainable urban development and amplify Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.
Kenya has finalized all preparations in collaboration with the African Union Commission and partners and looks forward to welcoming delegates, partners and media to Nairobi.
For more information including registration, visit: https://auf2.go.ke/
