Kenya has landed the rights to host global players in City developments in June 2025, as the country looks to attract more investors to its master-planned cities like Konza.
The New Cities Summit is expected to draw over 500 participants, including entrepreneurs, urban planners, academics, and policymakers.
Discussions will focus on creating jobs, attracting investment, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth across Africa and beyond.
The 2025 Summit to be opened by President William Ruto will bring together prominent global leaders involved in the design, financing, construction, governance, and operation of new city developments across the continent and beyond to create a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and fostering dialogue around the transformative potential of new cities.
Summit organizer and head of Communications for Charter Cities Institute (CCI) Michael Holstein told the Star that attendees will explore strategies for de-risking urban investments and establishing sustainable cities.
“Whether you’re looking to invest, partner, pitch, or understand how new cities are reshaping economic and social landscapes globally, the Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking, learning, and collaboration,” said Holstein.
Across Africa, master-planned cities are emerging as a solution to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and economic transformation.
In Kenya, developments such as government-led Konza Technopolis and Tatu City are setting the pace for a new era of smart, sustainable urban living.
Similarly, Tatu City, a privately developed, mixed-use urban center outside Nairobi, is redefining residential and commercial living.
With schools, hospitals, and business hubs integrated into its design, Tatu City represents a model for self-sustaining urban environments.
Following the success of CCI’s 2023 Africa’s New Cities Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, the organisers say this event will serve as the key platform for global leaders to advance the future of urban development, bringing together governments, new technology founders, private financiers, city developers, entrepreneurs, infrastructure suppliers, and professional service providers to tackle the challenges and opportunities of building new cities.
The Summit, held in partnership with the Smart Cities Council (SCC) is an essential gathering for anyone committed to reimagining the future of urban living.
Attendees will gain firsthand insights into transformative projects that exemplify the summit’s theme: Transforming Ideas into Action, Across Africa & Beyond. Key discussions will focus on creating jobs, attracting investment, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth across Africa and beyond.
Through panels, pitch competitions, and collaborative workshops, the Summit will build frameworks to de-risk urban investments and establish thriving, sustainable cities that advance human flourishing.
This will come as a boost to the country that has been angling to grow its share of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
The Summit will also present business opportunities with dedicated “deal rooms” and high-level networking events, as well as cultural and tourism experiences, including safaris and more.
