The second Africa Urban Forum has opened in Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, urban planners and development partners with a renewed call to accelerate the transformation of rapidly growing cities across the continent.
The three-day forum, hosted by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the African Union Commission, has drawn nearly 10,000 participants both physically and virtually, including ministers, city mayors, industry leaders, civil society actors and academics.
Held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation toward the Realization of Agenda 2063,” the gathering is expected to shape new strategies for managing Africa’s fast-paced urbanisation.
Speaking at the opening, Musalia Mudavadi warned that Africa’s urban population is projected to double from about 700 million to 1.4 billion by 2050, a shift he said will fundamentally redefine the continent’s economic structure, social systems and development trajectory.
He stressed that the pace of urban growth presents both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring coordinated planning to ensure cities remain resilient, inclusive and economically productive.
The forum builds on discussions from its inaugural edition held in Addis Ababa in 2024, which laid the groundwork for a continent-wide dialogue on addressing urban challenges such as housing shortages, rising poverty, insecurity and climate-related risks.
Also speaking, Patience Zanelie Chiradza emphasised that well-planned cities capable of delivering essential services — including housing, clean water, sanitation and sustainable transport — are central to achieving Africa’s long-term development ambitions.
Similarly, Alice Wahome called on governments to scale up investments in affordable housing, climate resilience, circular economy practices and clean mobility systems as part of efforts to reimagine urban spaces across the continent.
Stakeholders at the forum are expected to outline practical pathways for strengthening urban governance, boosting infrastructure delivery and unlocking financing to meet the demands of Africa’s rapidly expanding cities.
Analysts say the outcomes of the forum could play a crucial role in shaping policy direction as countries seek sustainable solutions to the continent’s growing housing deficit and urban infrastructure gaps.
