What it does
We work with entrepreneurs, investors, policy experts, governments, humanitarians and new city developers to build a common understanding of charter cities and create relationships which can work toward implementing charter cities. Our goal is to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty by helping incubate dozens of charter cities around the world.
African Urban Lab - In 2025, the Africa Urban Lab (AUL) expanded its work in urban education, research, and policy engagement across Africa. AUL graduated the inaugural cohort of 38 professionals from 10 countries in its Professional Diploma in Urban Development and welcomed a second cohort of 50 students from 15 countries, reflecting strong demand for applied urban training and supported by 33 full scholarships and additional tuition waivers. The organization also strengthened knowledge exchange by hosting two public talks, participating in 11 international conferences and policy forums, and launching the Economics of Greenfield Urban Planning working paper series. In addition, AUL established new institutional initiatives, including the University Coalition on Curricula for Cities (UCCC) to modernize urban planning education in East Africa and the Urban Expansion and the Periphery (UXP) program to support evidence-based planning with municipal partners.
Events and Media - The New Cities Summit in Nairobi, Kenya brought together 400+ delegates, 87 speakers, 14 panels, 7 keynotes, 7 Cities Catapult pitches, 5 side events, and 19 sponsors. This event serves as the annual catalyst for the charter cities movement. Additionally, CCI staff spoke at and attended dozens of other events throughout the year to promote charter cities.
Special Projects - In 2025 CCI worked together with stakeholders from several new city projects including Astra (Kazakhstan), Sherbro Island (Sierra Leonne), and an upcoming project in Antigua. Additionally, CCI authored guidance and provided expert advice to other potential founders and projects.