Habitat for Humanity Africa is set to host the inaugural Africa Housing Forum that seeks to foster solutions that promote low-cost and affordable housing as a driver of economic growth in Africa.
The forum is part of a global series of regional housing forums organised by Habitat for Humanity in collaboration with partner organisations and will be held between May 12-14, 2022 in Nairobi. With the theme Fostering Inclusivity and Resilience in Housing in Africa, it will be the first-ever housing forum organised in the continent by Habitat for Humanity.
The forum will inform renewed action towards sustainable, affordable housing in Africa, a key milestone before the pivotal UN 9thAfricities Summit,
“I want to thank Habitat for Humanity Africa for choosing Kenya to be the host of this event. It is noted that it is the first-ever event of its kind in Africa, meaning that Kenya is gaining recognition globally as a leader in innovative solutions that foster affordable and decent housing,” said Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga.
The current state of housing in Africa highlights an urgent need with the continent’s housing deficit currently standing at about 238 million people living in informal settlements.
“The Africa Housing Forum will be seeking to consolidate solutions to the housing challenges that African countries face. We will focus our discussions on the role of housing in driving the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in a more sustainable, climate-change responsiveness and inclusive way that brings together housing sector stakeholders from the continent. We welcome all the industry leaders, stakeholders, government agencies to be part of this important event” said Habitat for Humanity Africa Vice President Maurice Makoloo.
According to UN Habitat, 50 perent of sub-Saharan Africa will be living in towns and cities by 2030, due to huge population growth that has been compounded by rural urban migration.
So far, three regional forums have been held, the first being hosted in Latin America and the Caribbean in May 2021. The other two were held in Europe and Asia-Pacific in November and December of 2021, respectively. Conference registration is required for all attendees and exhibitors (in person and online).
