Nairobi Hosts Landmark New Cities Summit, Unveils Future of African Urban Growth
NAIROBI — Nairobi took center stage this week as it hosted the New Cities Summit for the first time, drawing over 400 delegates from 50 countries. The two-day event focused on redefining Africa’s urban future through infrastructure, investment, and innovation.
Held at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel on June 12 and 13, the summit showcased a lineup of large-scale urban development projects, highlighting Kenya’s growing role in city-building conversations across the continent.
A centerpiece of the event was the Cities Catapult program, launched by the Charter Cities Institute and the Africa Infrastructure Development Association. It brought seven emerging city projects before investors and planners with the aim of accelerating their implementation.
Kenya’s own Green Heart Kilifi project was among those featured. The eco-village on the coast has already completed five kilometers of roadwork and solar installations. Its founder told participants that planned desalination could solve long-term water issues and raise land values.
Also featured was Hodhi, a digital platform offering Kenyans access to real estate investments for as little as 50 shillings through a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The platform aims to widen property ownership by lowering financial barriers.
From Morocco, TBTM Studios revealed plans for a $2–3 billion film production complex in Ben Guérir, designed to rival major entertainment hubs. Positioned just outside Marrakesh, the facility is expected to draw global producers seeking affordable and diverse filming locations.
Sherbro Island City in Sierra Leone backed by actor Idris Elba presented its strategy to transform the island into a center for tourism and business through private investment and government partnerships.
Other developments included Uxene Smart City in Mozambique, set to house 350,000 residents and run on 50% solar energy, and Fumba Town in Zanzibar, which is building decentralized data infrastructure to support tech industries.
Throughout the summit, leaders emphasized the need to turn Africa’s resource wealth into local industries. Experts cited examples like Botswana’s diamond processing and Morocco’s phosphate refining as proof that added value starts with policy and infrastructure.
Cross-border infrastructure also featured prominently. The Lobito Corridor, linking Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, was presented as a breakthrough in regional logistics. It’s expected to slash transport costs and increase trade capacity.
Panelists agreed that Africa’s young and growing population offers a long-term economic advantage. They urged stronger investments in science and technical education to support local manufacturing and innovation.
Kenya’s evolution of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) stood out. Once centered on low-skill industries, new SEZ models now focus on high-tech services like data centers, backed by renewable energy and trained local workers.
Delegates also discussed the importance of university-led technology clusters. The Silicon Zanzibar initiative, anchored by Fumba Town, was shared as an example of a city ecosystem driven by talent and innovation.
Climate resilience was another key issue. Sessions explored smart planning, water management, and even geoengineering ideas for controlling urban microclimates.
During closing remarks, Charter Cities Institute founder Mark Lutter told attendees:
“We’re not just designing neighborhoods. We’re building the places where two billion Africans will live, work, and dream over the next few decades.”
The summit ended with the formation of working groups to follow up on policy alignment, investment strategies, and data-sharing frameworks. A full white paper outlining Africa’s urban roadmap is expected from the summit’s organizers later this year.
Hosting the New Cities Summit solidified Nairobi’s place as a key player in African urban development. With its own SEZ projects underway and homegrown ventures gaining global attention, Kenya’s capital is positioned to lead future conversations on the continent’s city-building efforts.
The next New Cities Summit is set to take place in West Africa in 2027. Organizers say it will build on the Nairobi discussions and highlight new urban initiatives from across the region.
