Pan-African Housing Development Financier, Shelter Afrique has urged African governments to prioritize partnerships in their quest to provide affordable housing to their citizens.
According to the Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, Thierno-Habib Hann, housing occupies a central position within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hann firmly believes that the establishment of sustainable partnerships assumes paramount importance in affecting substantial and meaningful advancements in the sphere of affordable housing provision.
“Adequate housing is one of the key components of the Sustainable Development Goals, and achieving housing goals will require collaborative efforts and forging fruitful partnerships among key players in the housing sector,” he said.
Research by Shelter Afrique’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has revealed that the overall shortage of housing in Africa is estimated at over 56 million housing units, out of which, more than 90 percent are in the affordable housing bracket.
“The solution to resolving this shortage lies in a well-coordinated and collaborative effort among all stakeholders, including governments, multilateral institutions, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Collectively, we maintain our commitment to inventive strategies in tackling housing needs,” Hann said.
The MD spoke on the sidelines of the United Nations Habitat Assembly held last week in Nairobi, Kenya, where he also held talks with the Uganda delegation led by the Minister of State, Housing Namuganza Persis Princess, to establish a solid foundation for partnership.
He also held bilateral talks with the Niger delegation led by Maizoumbou Laoual Amadou, Niger’s Minister for Town Planning and Housing, regarding future cooperation on sustainable urban development.
Hann also joined forces with the Zimbabwe delegation, led by Daniel Garwe, Minister for National Housing and Social Amenities, to discuss collaborative opportunities with the delegates at the event.
As the governance body of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations Habitat Assembly is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements, which convenes every four years.
“The thematic debates and discussions during the Assembly, which included universal access to affordable housing, urban climate action, urban crisis recovery, localization of the SDGs, and prosperity and local finance, are aligned with our overall strategy as an organization,” Hann concluded.
By Hamdi Mohamud
