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ICLEI Africa at Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF2)
Strengthening our resolve in the pursuit of a thriving urban Africa
Reflections from ICLEI Africa’s Sustainable Finance Centre Director, Dr Meggan Spires
Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF2), held earlier this month in Nairobi, Kenya, provided a critical platform to articulate a shared African perspective on sustainable urban development. The AUF2, following on from the inaugural AUF held in 2024 in Addis Ababa, is a powerful signal of the importance placed on urbanisation by the African Union and its member states, further reinforced by the 44 national ministries represented at AUF2.
The messaging from the subnational government constituency was clear: more finance, direct access to finance, and the need for financial architecture reforms. And – we’re moving regardless. Mayors shared stories of private sector partnerships within existing fiscal and regulatory space, as well as community partnerships for joint ownership of local action.
Platforms like AUF2, where all stakeholders are brought together, matter because national governments taking hands with cities, DFIs and financial intermediaries is the only way forward.
The AUF2 Nairobi Declaration provides a solid basis for further advocacy and collective action, presenting urbanisation as a challenge if ignored and an opportunity if well managed.
Across all discussions, Mayors and Governors were clear about the responsibilities they carry in partnership with their national governments, the private sector and civil society. We cannot move ambition and policies to action without finance. In acknowledgement of this, ICLEI Africa established the Sustainable Finance Centre in 2024, and with our partners and collaborators, we have built a portfolio of projects worth over USD 29 million. A portfolio squarely focused on ensuring finance flows to where it is needed most – African cities.
