African Union Commission Champions Adequate Housing and Urban Resilience at the Second Africa Urban Forum

Adequate housing is a cornerstone of sustainable urban growth

The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development across the continent at the Second Africa Urban Forum, held 8-10 April 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme: “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realisation of Agenda 2063.”

H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, in officially opening the Forum, stressed Kenya's commitment and strategic investment in affordable and safe social housing comprising approximately 270,000 units across 200 sites in the country. This has ushered in remarkable urban transformation, livelihood and economic empowerment and the foundation for a resilient urban future in Kenya.

In his statement, delivered by H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) on his behalf, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasised that adequate housing is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable urban growth. He underscored “Housing must remain central to Africa’s development agenda, as cities continue to drive transformation across the continent”.

The Chairperson noted that “Africa’s urban future will shape the success of Agenda 2063,” emphasising that well-managed urbanisation can foster industrialisation, peace, and improved quality of life for all Africans.

Taking the floor, Hon. Alice Wahome, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya, presented an overview of the Republic of Kenya’s key initiatives to advance sustainable urbanisation and create resilient cities and urban centres across the country.  

The Forum, convened as a flagship continental platform of the African Union, brings together Heads of State, policymakers, local governments, development partners, private-sector actors, and civil society to address the opportunities and challenges posed by Africa’s rapid urbanisation. The AU Commission highlighted that Africa is experiencing the world's fastest urban transition, positioning cities at the heart of economic growth, regional integration, and social transformation.

The Commission also stressed the importance of aligning urban development with the AU’s 2026 Theme on “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” and accelerating the implementation of the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063, recognising the critical role of water access in achieving adequate housing and public health outcomes.

The AUC-led report titled “Urban Resilience in Africa: A continental review” was formally launched by H.E. President Dr William Ruto, H.E. Moses Vilakati, and H.E. Anacláudia Rossbach. The report is the outcome of a partnership with the GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with support from the United Nations University. It provides knowledge of the state of urban resilience on the continent, as well as gaps and opportunities for the sustainable development of urban centres in Africa.

Call to Action

The AU Commission called on Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and local governments to strengthen political leadership, invest in inclusive urban systems, and accelerate the implementation of commitments made since the inaugural Forum in 2024. It further urged stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming Nairobi Declaration delivers actionable, measurable outcomes that will drive real change across African cities.

About the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP)

The Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP) was developed by the African Union Commission (AUC), with support from the Government of Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Sahel Resilience Project. The AURP is a continental framework designed to strengthen regional and national urban risk management policies, plans, and the institutional capacities of Member States to address urban risks.

Additionally, the European Union, through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP Natural Disaster Risk Programme, played a catalytic role in supporting the development of the AURP.

About Resilience Initiative Africa

The ‘Resilience Initiative Africa’ (RIA) is a regional project supported by Germany that aims to increase the capacities of regional, national, local state, and non-state actors for risk-informed urban development in Africa. One crucial part of RIA is the support for the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP). The project is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and its project partners.

About the Aqinile Partnership (AUC-UNDP-UN-Habitat)

‘Aqinile’, which means ‘They are strong, they can withstand’ in the Zulu language, reflects the ethos and ambition for building resilience in urban Africa. AUC, UNDP, UN-Habitat, and UNEP have joined forces through the Aqinile partnership to deliver risk-reduction and resilience-building efforts, accelerating risk-informed development across the continent. The partnership serves as an implementation mechanism for the Africa Urban Resilience Programme, which promotes intersectoral coordination and advocates for urban resilience among AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

For further information, please contact:

Mrs. Teresa Pinto, Technical Coordinator, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy | African Union Commission | E-mail: PintoT@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dr. Emmanuel Osuteye, Advisor, Urban Resilience | Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy | African Union Commission | E-mail: OsuteyeE@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media enquiry:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Maryanne Muriuki, Communications Analyst – Disaster Risk Reduction | Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | African Union Commission | E-mail: MuriukiM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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