Main theme: “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063. The theme underscores the critical importance of harnessing the potential of urbanization to drive inclusive, nature protecting, climate resilient development across the continent. At its core, the theme reflects a commitment to realizing the vision outlined in Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa that is prosperous, integrated, and peaceful, with empowered citizens and strong institutions.
Sub-theme 1: Financing Urbanization for socio-economic transformation
Rapid urbanization in Africa presents a significant financing challenge, requiring substantial investments in infrastructure, services, and social amenities to accommodate growing urban populations. However, traditional financing mechanisms often fall short of meeting the scale and complexity of urban development needs. This sub-theme explores both supply and demand side constraints on financing African cities. It aims to identify innovative options for financing urbanization, including public-private partnerships, development finance, and community-based financing models.
Sub-theme 2: Sustainable and resilient urban development in Africa
As African cities continue to expand in the face of climate change, there is a growing recognition of the need to promote sustainable and resilient urban development practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social inclusion. The Nairobi Declaration deriving from the Africa Climate Summit held in September 2023 in Nairobi recognized cities as hot spots for climate vulnerability, thus the nexus between urbanization and climate change. This sub-theme explores strategies for building cities that are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically resilient.