The global conversation about the future of cities has once again taken center stage at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Organized by UN-Habitat, the World Urban Forum remains one of the most influential international gatherings dedicated to sustainable urbanization, bringing together governments, urban planners, development institutions, civil society organizations, investors, innovators, and policy leaders from around the world.

This year’s forum arrives at a defining moment for humanity.

Urbanization is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. According to the United Nations, nearly 70% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. Cities are no longer simply places where people live and work; they are now the epicenters of economic growth, climate action, technological innovation, governance, migration, and social transformation.

Under the theme centered on safe, resilient, and inclusive cities, WUF13 has sparked critical discussions on housing, financing, climate resilience, infrastructure, digital transformation, and equitable urban development.

What is becoming increasingly clear is this:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.

The Global Housing Crisis Can No Longer Be Ignored

One of the strongest themes emerging from WUF13 is the growing urgency of the global housing crisis. Across developed and emerging economies alike, access to adequate and affordable housing has become one of the defining social and economic issues of our time.

Housing is no longer viewed solely as shelter. It is now recognized as:

• A driver of economic productivity
• A foundation for public health and social stability
• A key component of climate resilience
• A tool for reducing inequality
• A catalyst for inclusive growth

Yet despite its importance, millions of people across the world continue to live in informal settlements, overcrowded environments, or communities lacking basic infrastructure and services.

For Africa, this challenge is even more significant.

The continent is urbanizing faster than any other region globally. African cities are projected to absorb hundreds of millions of new urban residents in the coming decades. Without strategic planning, investment, and innovation, many cities could face increased pressure on housing, transportation, healthcare, sanitation, energy systems, and public services.

This is why the conversations at WUF13 are especially relevant to Africa’s future.

Financing Urban Development: The Missing Link

Another major issue dominating discussions in Baku is the inequality embedded within the current global financing system.

Emerging economies continue to pay significantly higher borrowing costs for development financing compared to wealthier nations. This creates enormous barriers for cities attempting to invest in resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, climate adaptation, and smart urban systems.

The message from WUF13 is clear:
Urban transformation cannot happen without fair and accessible financing.

If cities are expected to become engines of sustainability and economic opportunity, then governments, development banks, private investors, and international institutions must rethink how urban development is funded, especially in rapidly growing regions like Africa.

Smart Cities Must Be Inclusive Cities

As conversations around smart cities continue to evolve globally, WUF13 is reinforcing an important reality: technology alone cannot solve urban problems.

True smart cities are not defined only by digital infrastructure, sensors, artificial intelligence, or connected systems. They are defined by their ability to improve quality of life, expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and include marginalized communities in urban progress.

This includes:

• Climate-responsive urban planning
• Accessible transportation systems
• Data-driven governance
• Sustainable housing solutions
• Circular economy practices
• Green infrastructure
• Citizen participation and community engagement

The future of urbanization must be human-centered.

Africa’s Opportunity in the Global Urban Transition

For Africa, this moment presents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity.

The continent has the chance to leapfrog outdated development models and embrace smarter, greener, and more inclusive urban systems from the outset. African cities can become global examples of resilient urban innovation if investments are made strategically and collaboratively.

At the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF), we strongly believe that Africa’s urban future must be built around:

• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Inclusiveness
• Climate resilience
• Technology-driven development
• Community-centered planning

The conversations taking place at WUF13 align closely with ASCIF’s mission to advance smarter African cities through collaboration, innovation, and transformative urban solutions.

And as these global conversations continue, ASCIF is proud to announce a major new step in expanding Africa’s role within the global smart cities ecosystem.

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🚨 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF) is proud to announce its new role as a Strategic Partner of the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼 (𝗪𝗦𝗖𝗘), one of the largest and most influential smart city platforms in the Asia-Pacific region.

📍 Venue

BEXCO Exhibition & Convention Center
Busan, Republic of Korea

📅 Date

September 9 – 11, 2026

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮–𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 collaboration in smart city innovation, sustainable urban development, and digital transformation.

The World Smart City Expo serves as a global convergence platform, bringing together governments, urban leaders, innovators, investors, researchers, and technology providers to shape the future of cities worldwide.

As a Strategic Partner, ASCIF will:

• Expand Africa’s representation on the global smart cities stage
• Facilitate cross-border innovation and investment opportunities
• Promote knowledge exchange and policy advancement
• Accelerate the development of climate-resilient and technology-driven African cities

💬 Leadership Statement

“This partnership is more than a formal agreement; it is a strategic alignment of vision and purpose. At ASCIF, we recognize that the future of cities will be defined by collaboration beyond borders. Becoming a Strategic Partner of the World Smart City Expo not only amplifies Africa’s voice on the global stage but also unlocks new pathways for innovation, investment, and sustainable urban transformation across the continent.”

— 𝗠𝗿. 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗷𝗶
President/Founder, African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF)

We are deeply honored to be recognized as a Global Partner of WSCE 2026 and grateful to the World Smart City Expo team for this opportunity to collaborate on shaping the future of sustainable cities.

This partnership opens new pathways for African cities to connect with international best practices, emerging technologies, investors, and strategic collaborators across the world.

As the global urban landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain:

𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀; 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁.

The journey toward resilient, inclusive, climate-smart, and innovation-driven African cities is only just beginning.

Event Details

📍 Busan BEXCO, South Korea
📅 September 9 – 11, 2026

Learn more: World Smart City Expo (WSCE)

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