Since its inception in 2023, the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN) Future Cities Summit (FCS) has evolved into a leading platform for advancing sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban development in Nigeria and across Africa. Over three editions, the Summit has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and urban innovators to accelerate the transition to net zero and climate-resilient cities.
The inaugural Future Cities Summit was held on 19–20 July 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel Abuja, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through its EDGE Green Building Market Transformation Program. Convened under the theme “Towards a Net Zero and Climate-Resilient Nigeria,” the Summit explored innovative strategies, policies, and market solutions to enhance green building practices. Aligned with the World Green Building Council’s Africa Manifesto for Sustainable Cities and the Built Environment, the event featured expert panels and interactive sessions that highlighted progress in green buildings and fostered a shared vision for resilient Nigerian cities.
Building on this success, the second edition took place from 16–19 July 2024 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, in collaboration with IFC and the World Green Building Council Africa Regional Network. Under the theme “Building Resilient Futures: Integrating Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy & Inclusive Urban Development,” the Summit expanded its scope across the continent, convening Africa’s green building councils, city delegations, and over 500 local and international stakeholders. Discussions emphasized the urgency of addressing Africa’s rapid urbanization through integrated, inclusive, and climate-smart approaches.
The third edition of FCS was held on 16–17 July 2025 at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja. Now in its third year, the Summit convened stakeholders under the theme “Smart, Sustainable & Resilient: Reimagining Green Building & Urban Governance for Future Cities.” Through expert discussions, panels, and hands-on workshops, the Summit advanced actionable solutions for inclusive, climate-smart, and resilient urban development.
Together, these three editions reflect GBCN’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and policy advancement in shaping sustainable and resilient African cities.
A look forward to FCS 2026
The Future Cities Summit (FCS) 2026, shall continue the Summit’s growing legacy as a leading platform for advancing sustainable urban development in Africa by building on the momentum of previous editions—ranging from climate resilience and net-zero ambition to smart governance and inclusive urban growth.
The summit themed “Building the Future: Scaling Sustainability for Greener Cities.” places a strong emphasis on scaling proven sustainable solutions across Nigerian cities, moving from vision to implementation. Discussions will focus on expanding green building practices, accelerating low-carbon urban infrastructure, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering partnerships that enable cities to grow sustainably and inclusively.
This reflects a clear evolution from earlier summits, highlighting the urgency of translating policy, innovation, and pilot projects into city-wide impact. FCS 2026 will convene policymakers, urban planners, developers, investors, innovators, and community leaders to share insights, showcase solutions, and co-create pathways toward greener, more livable cities.
As Nigeria’s urban population continues to grow, the Summit reaffirms its commitment to shaping cities that are environmentally responsible, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive—laying a strong foundation for the future of African urban development.
A huge shout-out to our Strategic Partners whose commitment to sustainable cities powers this journey: Mixta Africa •Kohler Africa •Saint-Gobain Nigeria •Nairda Limited •Alitheia Capital