The favored prospect is to approach the challenges of the development and the governance of the continent with as aim of contributing to the emergence of Africa of the People, beyond and across Africa of the States, a sine qua non condition of the successful inscription of Africa in the world.

The Summit architectures comprises three segments: the thematic sessions during which the theme of the Summit is analyzed and discussed (December 4th and 5th) ; special sessions organized at the request of institutions, agencies or networks wishing to work with local governments of Africa (December 6th) ; the last two days are reserved to political meetings (December 7th and 8th).

The whole week long, a Local Governments Business Exhibition (Africities Business Exhibition) contiguous to the space of the conference will offer the opportunity to public and private sector companies, public and private institutions, to civil society and international solidarity organizations, as well as to local governments and their associations to showcase their products, tools, methods and experiments at the service of local communities and populations. The AfricitiesBusiness Exhibition will host between 400 and 500 exhibitors.