Kenya Secures Strategic Backing from Azerbaijan ahead of Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF2)

Nairobi is weeks away from hosting the Second Africa Urban Forum, and a fresh agreement with Azerbaijan has added weight to the preparations. The deal, signed in the Kenyan capital, brings support from the Azerbaijan International Development Agency for both the finances and technical side of the event.

The forum, organised by the Government of Kenya together with the African Union, is scheduled for 8 to 10 April 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. It will draw policymakers, city leaders, urban planners and development partners from across the continent and further afield. Discussions will centre on practical ways to build inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities amid fast urban growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome spoke at the signing. She noted that the gathering in Nairobi will connect directly to talks later in Baku. "In less than two weeks, Nairobi will bring Africa and the world together, and through this partnership, we are ensuring that the conversations we start here continue globally in Baku. That continuity is what will drive real change for our cities," she said.

Wahome added that the event gives Kenya a platform to present its own advances in housing, urban renewal and sustainable development while drawing lessons from international partners.

The partnership ties the Africa Urban Forum to the 13th World Urban Forum, set for Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026. Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev described the two cities as linked in purpose. "Nairobi and Baku are connected in 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."

Azerbaijan plans to send a high-level team to Nairobi. It will be led by Anar Guliyev, national coordinator for the World Urban Forum and chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture. The group will also include officials from the State Support Agency for NGOs and private sector representatives.

This second edition of the Africa Urban Forum follows the first one held in Addis Ababa in 2024. Organisers expect the Nairobi meeting to end with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration. The document will set out Africa's joint stance on housing and human settlements and highlight home-grown solutions and new partnerships.

The timing matters as African cities expand quickly and pressure grows for better infrastructure and affordable housing. Kenya has positioned itself as a key voice in these debates through its ongoing work in urban development.

Mjengo Hub looks forward to a successful event that advances practical urban solutions for the continent.