Nairobi: Kenya has secured a strategic financial and technical partnership with Azerbaijan to support the successful delivery of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2), set to be held in Nairobi from 8th to 10th April.
According to Kenya News Agency, the agreement, signed in Nairobi, will see support from the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) reinforcing Kenya’s position as a continental hub for urban policy dialogue, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Second Africa Urban Forum, hosted by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the African Union, is expected to bring together policymakers, city leaders, urban planners, and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore practical solutions for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. AUF2 is themed ‘Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the realization of Agenda 2063’.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, said that the forum presents an opportunity for Kenya to showcase progress in housing, urban renewal, and sustainable city development, while also learning from global partners and scaling locally viable solutions.
‘For Kenya, this is also an opportunity to showcase the progress we are making in housing, urban renewal, and sustainable city development, while learning from global partners and scaling solutions that work for our people,’ said Wahome. The CS said the partnership comes at a pivotal moment as Kenya continues to position itself at the center of conversations shaping the future of African cities, amid rapid urbanization and growing demand for sustainable infrastructure and housing.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev underscored the shared ambition between the two countries, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing global urban development dialogue. ‘Nairobi and Baku are connected on purpose. The discussions at the Africa Urban Forum will naturally feed into the World Urban Forum, creating a shared platform where Africa and the global community can learn from each other and act together,’ he said.
The collaboration establishes a strategic link between AUF2 and the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17-22, 2026, positioning the two gatherings as complementary platforms advancing global urban dialogue and action.
Azerbaijan will be represented at AUF2 by a high-level delegation led by National Coordinator of WUF13 Anar Guliyev. The delegation will include senior government officials, representatives from the State Support Agency for NGOs, and private sector players, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach to urban transformation.
The Second Africa Urban Forum builds on the outcomes of the inaugural forum held in Addis Ababa in 2024 and is expected to culminate in the Nairobi Declaration, which will articulate Africa’s common position on housing and human settlements, while showcasing locally driven solutions, innovation, and partnerships.