NAIROBI, 8 April 2026 Africa’s most consequential gathering on housing and urban development, Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF 2), opened today in Nairobi, as African leaders and policymakers called for urgent, coordinated action to transform the continent’s rapidly expanding cities into engines of economic growth, social inclusion, and climate resilience.
The three-day forum, running from 8 to 10 April 2026, is convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kenya with technical support of UN Habitat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063,”; and is expected to produce the Nairobi Declaration, a binding continental roadmap on affordable housing, climate resilience, and inclusive governance.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, in his keynote address, made a sharp call to action, drawing a clear line between past dialogue and the urgent demands of the present moment. “The time has come to move from conversation to execution — towards bankable projects, investable pipelines, and implementable policies that translate our ambitions into results on the ground,” said Dr. Mudavadi. Framing urbanisation as a defining economic and political question for the continent, the Prime Cabinet Secretary argued that Africa’s cities must become engines of industrialisation, productivity, and employment, not by circumstance, but by deliberate strategic choice. “When we invest in housing, we do not simply provide shelter; we stimulate industries, generate employment, and anchor communities. The future of Africa’s cities will not be determined by circumstance; it will be determined by the choices we make now,” he added.
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Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Republic of Uganda, and Chairperson of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Governments, Urban Development and Decentralization (AU-STC no-8), addressed the welcome session. She highlighted: “Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa, driven by inclusive and sustainable development. Housing is a critical pillar of this vision. Investments in housing will not only provide shelter but also create millions of jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans. Therefore, addressing the housing deficit and prioritizing sustainable urban planning, Africa can unlock the potential of its cities to drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress.”
Welcoming delegates to Nairobi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Wahome, said Africa’s cities will play a defining role in determining whether the continent achieves inclusive growth and sustainable development. “This Forum comes at a critical moment. The decisions we make, the partnerships we build and the commitments we advance here will determine whether Africa’s cities become engines of inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity, or whether existing inequalities deepen,” she said.
The opening sessions also underscored the political and governance dimensions of urban development across the continent. Delivering remarks on behalf of H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ms. Patience Zanelie Chiradza, AU Director for Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate, emphasized that Africa’s urban transition is increasingly shaping governance, peace and stability. “Africa’s urban transition is no longer a future scenario – it is a political reality that requires leadership, vision and decisive action. To the African Union Commission, housing is not only about shelter; it is about dignity, equity and stability. Africa’s cities are increasingly becoming the frontline of governance and conflict prevention,” she said.
Throughout the first day of AUF2, ministers and senior officials engaged in a ministerial plenary and technical deep-dive sessions examining how African governments can accelerate progress toward Agenda 2063 while addressing rising housing deficits, rapid population growth, and climate pressures on cities.
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Discussions focused on strengthening multi-level governance, mobilizing long-term financing for housing and urban infrastructure, and expanding public-private partnerships to unlock investment in sustainable urban development.
The forum’s official opening ceremony takes place Thursday, 9 April, featuring H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya; H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; and Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
AUF2 is being held at a critical moment when Africa’s urban population is projected to double from 700 million to 1.4 billion by 2050, with nearly two-thirds of Africans expected to live in cities.
Besides the Nairobi Declaration, the Forum will produce a Plan of Action, establishing a continental roadmap for sustainable urban development, affordable housing delivery, climate resilience, and inclusive governance. It is also expected to give an opportunity to Africa to have a consolidated voice and position on managing urbanizations and addressing housing deficits in the continent.