The Government of the Kenya, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has officially announced its readiness to host the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2) scheduled for April 8–10, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The continental forum will be held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063.”
AUF2 is expected to convene Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Mayors, Governors, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, civil society organizations, youth representatives, and urban practitioners from across Africa and beyond to discuss sustainable urban development and housing solutions.
The forum comes at a time when Africa is experiencing the fastest urban population growth in the world. Projections indicate that by 2050 nearly two-thirds of Africans will live in urban areas, creating vast opportunities for economic transformation while also presenting pressing challenges related to housing access, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and inclusive urban planning.
Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, said the country is fully prepared to welcome delegates for the continental event.
“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 supports the implementation of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Discussions will also contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda through partnerships, investments, and knowledge sharing.
The African Union Commission highlighted the strategic importance of the gathering in shaping Africa’s urban future and strengthening continental cooperation on sustainable development priorities.
Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki, African Union Representative in Kenya, said the continent’s next development frontier lies in building cities that are both green and resilient.
“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,” she noted.
The forum will focus on practical solutions including affordable housing delivery, urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative financing mechanisms, smart city technologies, and inclusive economic growth models. It will also provide a platform to showcase African-led urban solutions and strengthen collaboration between governments, development institutions, and the private sector.
As host city, Nairobi continues to strengthen its reputation as a major hub for global urban dialogue, partly due to the presence of UN-Habitat and a growing network of multilateral institutions headquartered in the city.
Expected partners for AUF2 include UN-Habitat, development finance institutions, regional economic communities, private sector innovators, and international development partners working to advance sustainable urbanisation across Africa.
In addition to policy dialogue, the forum will spotlight investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure, as well as climate adaptation strategies, smart urban planning initiatives, and inclusive development models.
A key outcome of the forum will be the Nairobi Declaration, which is expected to establish a continental roadmap for sustainable urban development while strengthening Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.
The Government of Kenya confirmed that preparations for AUF2 have been finalized in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners, and the country now looks forward to welcoming delegates, partners, and members of the media to Nairobi for the three-day event.
More information, including registration details, is available at the official forum website.