Leaders, policymakers and urban development experts from across Africa are set to gather in Nairobi next month to explore how housing can be transformed into a major driver of economic growth across the continent.
The meeting will take place during the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2) scheduled for April 8–10 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, bringing together African heads of government, ministers, mayors, governors, investors and development partners.
Organised by the government in partnership with the African Union Commission, the forum will focus on positioning housing and urban development as engines of job creation, investment and sustainable economic transformation.
The forum will be held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063.”
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, said the gathering will provide a platform for African governments to rethink housing beyond shelter and instead view it as a catalyst for economic growth.
“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,” 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 urbanisation also presents a significant economic opportunity if governments invest strategically in housing, infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
According to the African Union, the forum will help accelerate implementation of Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term strategy for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Mary Mbole-Kariuki, representing the African Union in Kenya, said AUF2 will focus on aligning urban development with economic transformation.
“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,” she said.
Discussions during the forum will centre on affordable housing delivery, innovative financing models, climate-resilient infrastructure, smart city technologies and inclusive urban growth strategies.
Participants are also expected to examine investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure while strengthening partnerships between governments, development institutions and the private sector.
Hosting the event further cements Nairobi’s role as a hub for global urban policy dialogue, supported by the presence of the UN Habitat headquarters in the city.
The forum is expected to conclude with the Nairobi Declaration, which will outline a continental roadmap aimed at scaling sustainable urban development and elevating Africa’s voice in global urban policy discussions.
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