NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18 – The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) has announced the New Cities Summit, a premier event bringing together major stakeholders in urban development.
Scheduled for June 12-13, 2025, at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, the summit will serve as a global platform to advance the future of city-building.
Following the success of CCI’s 2023 Africa’s New Cities Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, this year’s event will gather over 500 leaders, including government officials, city developers, private financiers, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure suppliers.
The theme, “Transforming Ideas into Action, Across Africa & Beyond,” will guide discussions on job creation, investment attraction, innovation, and economic growth.
Key Topics & Speakers
Attendees will participate in panel discussions, pitch competitions, and collaborative workshops to develop strategies for de-risking urban investments and creating sustainable, thriving cities.
Sessions will cover topics such as planning for rapid urban expansion, risk management and mitigation strategies for new city projects and building a creative community to grow cities, among others.
Notable speakers confirmed include Magatte Wade (Prospera Africa), who will lead a fireside chat on “Economic Freedom in Africa,” and Keith Weaver (Nashwood Entertainment), discussing the role of entertainment and hospitality in economic growth.
Other key speakers include Stephen Jennings (Rendeavour), Corey Gray (Smart Cities Council), and Leonard Wantchekon (African School of Economics).
Strategic Partnerships & Opportunities
The summit is held in partnership with the Smart Cities Council (SCC) and Kenya Development Corporation, among others. SCC President Corey Gray emphasized the importance of Africa’s urban transformation, stating,
“The biggest social and economic transformation of the next 50 years will take place in Africa. This summit connects project owners, policymakers, financiers, and technology partners to accelerate and de-risk new city developments.”
With a successful 2023 summit in Kigali, which hosted 250+ delegates from 50+ countries and resulted in multiple partnerships, the 2025 edition aims to build on that momentum. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for brands looking to align with the future of urban development.
