Transforming Ideas into Action, Across Africa & Beyond
JUNE 12-13, 2025
EMARA OLE-SERENI HOTEL
- Jun 12-13, 2025
- 08:00
- Nairobi - Kenya
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CITIES CATAPULT
Accelerating New Urban Development in Africa
The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) and the Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfIDA) present Cities Catapult, an accelerator program supporting developers in scaling new cities, mixed-use Industrial Development Zones (IDZs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and other urban projects across Africa.
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This four-month program offers mentorship from top financiers and urban development experts, culminating in pitches at the New Cities Summit in Nairobi, on June 12-13, 2025.Â
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The winning project will receive mentorship and access to capital.
Program Highlights
One-on-one guidance from senior executives at leading financial institutions, offering insights into project financing.
Specialized Workshops
 – Expert-led sessions on:
 – Strategic project preparation
 – Anchor tenant acquisition
 – Market-driven urban planning
 – Risk mitigation and management
Pitch Day

Finalists will pitch their projects to top funders and advisors at the Summit.
Eligibility
Ideal Projects:
 – New cities and mixed-use IDZs/SEZs (under 300,000 population)
– Core urban projects (e.g. low-income housing, transport, climate resilience)
– Investment funds for urban development (e.g. 500+ hectares with a target population of
at least 50,000)
– Demonstrable commitment and experience
– Clear funding or partnership needs
– Attendance at the Summit June 12-13 2025 in Nairobi
Participation is FREE for selected entries
Program Highlights
One-on-one guidance from senior executives at leading financial institutions, offering insights into project financing.
Specialized Workshops
 – Expert-led sessions on:
 – Strategic project preparation
 – Anchor tenant acquisition
 – Market-driven urban planning
 – Risk mitigation and management
Pitch Day

Finalists will pitch their projects to top funders and advisors at the Summit.
Eligibility
Ideal Projects:
 – New cities and mixed-use IDZs/SEZs (under 300,000 population)
– Core urban projects (e.g. low-income housing, transport, climate resilience)
– Investment funds for urban development (e.g. 500+ hectares with a target population of
at least 50,000)
– Demonstrable commitment and experience
– Clear funding or partnership needs
– Attendance at the Summit June 12-13 2025 in Nairobi
Participation is FREE for selected entries
This follows the Kigali Cities Catapult held in October 2023, where projects pitched their projects to a panel of experts including from Afreximbank, Bank of Rwanda, Gensler, KPMG, Arup, and Rendeavour.
2023 Cities Catapult Projects
Kigali Innovation City, Rwanda
Enyimba Economic City, Nigeria
Fumba Town, Zanzibar
Maluku Preserve City, DR Congo
Itana, Nigeria
Small Farm Cities, Malawi
Gabriel King City, Zambia
