Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Union (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address Africa’s housing and urban development challenges.
This partnership, which grants Shelter Afrique Observer Status at the AU, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and underscores a joint commitment to improving the quality of life for African citizens.
Africa currently faces a housing deficit of approximately 53 million units with an estimated $1.4 trillion financing gap.
The MOU outlines critical areas of collaboration to tackle these challenges through innovative solutions, policy development, and resource mobilization.
Key areas of focus include:
- Sustainable Housing and Urban Development – Promoting climate-resilient and environmentally friendly urban communities.
- Addressing the Housing Deficit – Developing strategies to reduce the housing gap and improve urban settlements.
- Capacity Building – Offering training programs for policymakers, developers, and stakeholders.
- Resource Mobilization – Coordinating efforts to secure technical and financial resources in partnership with international and regional institutions.
- Policy Development and Advocacy – Advancing supportive policies and driving the housing agenda at national, regional, and global levels.
- Research and Technological Innovation – Leveraging data-driven research and adopting innovative housing technologies.
- Environmental Sustainability – Enhancing climate resilience in housing and urban infrastructure.
The agreement also fosters collaboration with AU sub-bodies such as AUDA-NEPAD and the African Union Peace Fund to harmonize housing efforts across the continent.
Operationalizing the Partnership
To ensure effective implementation, ShafDB and the AU will develop a Joint Action Plan (JAP), detailing specific activities, timelines, and review mechanisms. Provisions include seconding staff and creating supplementary agreements to address emerging challenges in housing and urban development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“We warmly welcome Shelter Afrique Development Bank as one of our strategic collaborators. Together, we shall enhance efforts to unlock Africa’s investable wealth and mobilize it towards meeting the continent’s housing deficit anchored on inclusive and sustainable urbanization.”
Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, emphasized the collaboration’s transformative potential:
“This MOU marks a significant step forward in our shared vision of sustainable housing and urban development in Africa. As a pan-African development bank, we are confident that this partnership will scale our ability to address the housing deficit and enhance the quality of life for millions.”
