KICC’s most recent chapter was written just days ago. The Africa Urban Forum returned for its 2nd edition
from 8 to 10 April 2026 at KICC, Nairobi, Kenya, advancing the theme of adequate housing for all across
Africa.
Held under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental
Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063,” the forum convened Heads of State and
Government, Ministers, Mayors, Governors, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, civil
society, youth, and urban practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
The urgency of the forum’s agenda was hard to overstate. Africa is currently undergoing the fastest urban
population growth globally, and by 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africans are expected to live in urban areas,
presenting both unprecedented economic opportunities and urgent challenges related to housing,
infrastructure, climate resilience, and inclusive urban planning.
The forum focused on practical solutions, including affordable housing delivery, urban planning, climate-
resilient infrastructure, financing mechanisms, smart cities innovation, and inclusive growth models, while
also providing a platform for showcasing African-led solutions and strengthening collaboration between
governments, development institutions, and the private sector.
What’s Next: The Africa-France Summit
Less than a month after the dust settles from the Urban Forum, KICC will once again take center stage for
an even more historic gathering. On May 11–12, 2026, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will
host the Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit, bringing together African and
French Heads of State and Government to drive innovation, foster growth, and shape a future built on
mutual benefit.
The significance of this summit extends well beyond the diplomatic. Kenya will make history as the first
non-Francophone African nation to host the Africa-France Summit, a tradition that has, since its inception
in 1973, been held exclusively in France or Francophone African countries. The choice of Nairobi is a
powerful endorsement of Kenya’s diplomatic standing and of KICC’s readiness to accommodate the
world’s most demanding gatherings.
May 11 will operate under the theme “Inspire and Connect,” opening with a Business Forum highlighting
France-Africa economic partnerships, while May 12 will be devoted to development finance and global
issues, with youth employment, sovereignty and competitiveness at the core of discussions.
The agenda will spotlight key areas, including reform of the international financial architecture, energy
transition, green industrialization, the blue economy, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, and
health while also highlighting the role of young entrepreneurs, civil society, and international organizations.
The summit will convene top political leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, alongside
African Heads of State, investors, development partners, civil society groups, and youth representatives.
Nairobi’s Moment: KICC’s Legacy
From shaping Africa’s urban future to rewriting the rulebook on Africa-France diplomacy, KICC is at the
epicenter of the continent’s most consequential conversations in 2026. The back-to-back hosting of the
2nd Africa Urban Forum and the upcoming Africa-France Summit is no coincidence. It is the result of
decades of investment in infrastructure, institutional capacity, and a national commitment to positioning
Kenya as Africa’s premier destination for global dialogue.
As the world’s eyes turn to Nairobi this May, KICC stands ready not just as a venue, but as a testament to
what Kenya offers the world: a stable, visionary, and capable host for the conversations that shape the
future.
