Kenya has secured strategic backing from Azerbaijan ahead of the upcoming Africa Urban Forum 2, adding momentum to preparations for the continental gathering set to take place in Nairobi next month.
The partnership agreement, signed in Nairobi, will see financial and technical support provided through Azerbaijan International Development Agency to support the delivery of the forum, which is expected to convene leaders shaping Africa’s urban future.
The forum, organised by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with the African Union, is expected to attract policymakers, mayors, urban planners, investors and development partners from across Africa and other regions to discuss practical responses to housing, infrastructure and sustainable urban growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Alice Wahome said the collaboration strengthens the global relevance of conversations that will emerge from Nairobi.
She noted that the partnership creates continuity between Africa’s urban agenda and broader international engagements, particularly as global attention shifts toward urban resilience and sustainable development.
Wahome said Kenya also intends to use the forum to demonstrate progress made in affordable housing, urban renewal and city planning reforms, while drawing lessons from international experiences that can support local implementation.
Sultan Hajiyev said the partnership reflects growing cooperation between Nairobi and Baku in shaping urban development conversations beyond regional boundaries.
According to the envoy, outcomes from the Nairobi forum are expected to feed into wider global discussions during the upcoming World Urban Forum 13, scheduled to be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026.
The linkage positions both forums as connected platforms aimed at driving practical action on housing, human settlements and sustainable urban transformation.
Azerbaijan will send a high-level delegation to Nairobi led by Anar Guliyev. The delegation will include senior public officials, civil society representatives and private sector participants involved in urban planning and development.
The second Africa Urban Forum builds on the inaugural meeting held in Addis Ababa in 2024 and is expected to produce the Nairobi Declaration, outlining Africa’s shared position on housing and human settlements while promoting locally driven solutions and partnerships.
