The 2ndAfrica Urban Forum has started in #Nairobi, #Kenya. The main themes, takeaways raised by speakers at the welcome session included:
· Africa’s Urbanisation Is a Defining Political and Development Reality- Urbanisation is presented not as a future trend but as a present, irreversible reality. Cities will absorb hundreds of millions of people and will determine Africa’s economic trajectory, social stability, and political outcomes. The core question is not whether Africa will urbanise, but whether it will do so in a planned, inclusive, and resilient way.
· Adequate Housing Is Central to Dignity, Prosperity, and Stability- Housing is more than shelter — it underpins dignity, economic opportunity, and social cohesion. It is foundational infrastructure, a driver of jobs and economic growth, a pillar of social stability and peace. Failure to address housing deficits risks deepening inequality, informal settlements, and political frustration in cities.
· Cities Are Frontlines of Governance, Peace, and Security- well governed cities help prevent conflict and strengthen trust between citizens and the state. Urban governance is now inseparable from peace and security. Poorly governed cities can become spaces of exclusion and tension; well governed cities can become anchors of peace and opportunity.
· Urbanisation Must Be Planned, Integrated, and Inclusive- Cities succeed when planning, infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and services work together. Fragmented approaches are seen as insufficient for the scale of Africa’s urban challenge.
· Urbanisation, Water, Sanitation, and Climate Are Interlinked- Africa’s urban future is closely tied to water security, sanitation, and climate resilience. This point makes a strong link between urbanisation and the AU Theme of the Year 2026 on Water and Sanitation. Cities are where water systems are under the greatest strain and where sanitation needs are most urgent. Integrating urban planning with water, sanitation, and climate resilience is essential for human security and sustainable development.
Take a deep dive into the issues around the theme of the 2nd AUF, “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic Transformation towards the Realisation of Agenda 2063”.
Read the statements @ au.int/en/newsevents/20260408/second-afric...
#AUF2 #AUF2026 @housingurbanKE