2nd Africa Urban Forum Opens in Nairobi, Focuses on Housing and Inclusive Urbanisation

Addis Ababa, April 8, 2026 (FMC) — The 2nd Africa Urban Forum has officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together policymakers, urban planners, and development experts to address Africa’s rapidly urbanising landscape and the need for adequate housing.

At the welcome session, speakers emphasised that urbanisation is not a future trend but a current, irreversible reality. African cities are expected to absorb hundreds of millions of people in the coming years, shaping the continent’s economic trajectory, social stability, and political outcomes. The central challenge, they noted, is ensuring that urban growth is planned, inclusive, and resilient.

Housing was highlighted as a critical component of urban development, described as essential not only for shelter but also for economic opportunity, social cohesion, and political stability. Experts warned that failing to address housing deficits could exacerbate inequality, informal settlements, and social tensions in cities.

The forum also stressed that well-governed cities are key to maintaining peace and security. Urban governance, speakers noted, directly influences trust between citizens and the state, with poorly managed cities potentially becoming spaces of exclusion and conflict, while well-planned cities serve as anchors of opportunity and stability.

Participants further highlighted the need for integrated urban planning, linking housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and essential services. Discussions underscored the strong connections between urbanisation, water security, sanitation, and climate, aligning with the African Union’s Theme of the Year 2026 on Water and Sanitation. Effective integration of these areas, they said, is vital for human security and sustainable development.

The forum is centred on the theme, “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic Transformation towards the Realisation of Agenda 2063”, aiming to develop strategies to transform African cities into inclusive, economically vibrant, and resilient spaces for all residents.