Kenya has secured a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan to support the Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, strengthening its role as a leading hub for urban development dialogue and sustainable city solutions across the continent….reports Newsdesk
Kenya has sealed a strategic financial and technical partnership with Azerbaijan to support the successful hosting of the Second Africa Urban Forum, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from April 8 to 10.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi, will see backing from the Azerbaijan International Development Agency, reinforcing Kenya’s growing position as a continental hub for urban policy, innovation and sustainable development.
The forum, organised by the Kenyan government 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 building inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.
Themed “Adequate Housing for All”, the event will focus on advancing socio economic and environmental transformation in line with Africa’s long term development goals.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, said the forum offers a major platform to showcase the country’s progress in housing, urban renewal and sustainable city development, while also learning from global partners.
She noted that the partnership comes at a crucial time as Kenya positions itself at the centre of discussions shaping the future of African cities amid rapid urbanisation and rising demand for infrastructure and housing.
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hajiyev, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing global urban development, linking Nairobi’s forum with wider international conversations.
The partnership also creates a strategic bridge between the Africa Urban Forum and the upcoming World Urban Forum 13in Baku, positioning both gatherings as complementary platforms for global urban dialogue and action.
A high level Azerbaijani delegation led by Anar Guliyev is expected to attend, alongside government officials, private sector players and civil society representatives.
The forum builds on the inaugural event held in Addis Ababa in 2024 and is set to conclude with the Nairobi Declaration, outlining Africa’s shared vision on housing, human settlements and sustainable urban growth.
