Africa's urban future hinges on housing, leaders say at forum in Nairobi

The 2nd Africa Urban Forum has opened in Nairobi, placing the continent's urgent housing crisis at the centre of discussions on economic growth, governance and long‑term stability.

Held under the theme "Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio‑economic Transformation towards the Realisation of Agenda 2063," the African Union‑convened forum has drawn policymakers, urban planners, development experts and civic leaders from across the continent.

Speakers at the opening session described urbanisation as Africa's defining development reality, warning that the continent's future will be shaped not by whether cities grow, but by how they grow.

"Africa is already urbanising at an unprecedented pace. The real question is whether this growth will be planned, inclusive and resilient," one speaker said, noting that cities are expected to absorb hundreds of millions of new residents in the coming decades.

Central to the discussions is the recognition that housing is a cornerstone of economic transformation, not merely a social service. Delegates emphasised that adequate housing underpins dignity, drives job creation and strengthens social cohesion.

However, Africa's cities continue to face massive housing deficits, forcing millions into informal settlements with limited access to water, sanitation and electricity. Experts warned that failure to address these gaps risks deepening inequality and fuelling social and political tensions.

Urban governance also emerged as a key concern, with speakers highlighting cities as frontline spaces for peace and security. Well‑managed urban areas, participants noted, can foster trust between citizens and governments, while poorly governed cities may become hotspots of exclusion and instability.

The forum underscored the need for integrated urban planning, calling for closer alignment between housing, infrastructure development and climate resilience. Delegates stressed that fragmented approaches will be insufficient to meet the scale of Africa's urban challenge.

Particular attention was given to the intersection between urbanisation and water and sanitation, in line with the African Union's 2026 thematic focus. As cities expand, pressure on water systems and sanitation services is intensifying, raising concerns about public health and environmental sustainability.

Participants also linked the housing agenda to Agenda 2063, the AU's long‑term vision for a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable continent.

As deliberations continue, the forum is expected to generate policy recommendations aimed at accelerating affordable housing delivery, strengthening urban governance and ensuring that Africa's rapid urban growth becomes a driver — rather than a barrier — to development.

For many attending, the message is clear: Africa's future will be built in its cities, and housing will determine whether that future is equitable and sustainable.