Africa Day commemorates the founding of the original Organisation of African Unity, now called the African Union. It symbolises how independent African nations can drive life-changing initiatives through collaboration. This dedicated day serves as a reminder to celebrate the progress of a united continent.
In so doing, recognition is given to the enormous strides the AU has made over the past six decades, including reflection on one of its most important roles: that of guiding and implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Africa. This agenda addresses 17 challenges that the continent faces, including inequality, poverty, hunger, health and wellbeing, climate change, energy, water and sanitation — all of which are interconnected.
Number 11 on that list is Sustainable Cities and Communities, which addresses housing and access to adequate, safe and affordable housing. Since the SDGs were developed in 2015, progress on this goal has been uneven, says the UN Development Programme. The crucial need for affordable housing is highlighted as tens of millions of people remain homeless, with much overcrowding in inadequate living conditions. The housing deficit is estimated at 97 million units, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
There are, however, pockets of excellence demonstrated by key players across the continent, and even the world, who are dedicated to addressing the affordable housing crisis in Africa. With their efforts, a fundamental human principle is addressed: that everyone has a right to shelter, which brings about dignity and lifestyle upliftment for all.
IFC
The International Finance Corporations (IFC) work in housing is holistic in nature. Its message is that there are significant direct benefits to society by providing shelter and safety, with indirect benefits that manifest, such as “better health, education, and gender outcomes.” The IFC supports projects that address “a clear imbalance of supply and demand in accommodation, in rapidly urbanising cities.” It promotes models of ‘built-for-sale’ and ‘built-for-rent’, especially those that cater to specialised housing for seniors, students and workers. The IFC invests some US\$244 million in African housing.
AfDB
Another key player is the African Development Bank (AfDB). It provides financial and technical assistance to strategic partners focused on sustainable housing and urban development. Through various arms, it offers loans and participation in housing finance institutions to increase access to affordable housing finance for low- and middle-income earners. It has made hundreds of millions of US dollars in loans to housing projects such as those in Uganda and South Africa, and through its Shelter Afrique partnership, which supports SMEs involved in construction and real estate.
CAHF
The Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa is another major role-player. It is essentially a think tank dedicated to improving Africa’s housing finance markets. It covers four main areas: understanding housing markets; monitoring housing sector performance; exploring innovation in housing finance; and supporting housing finance market development. Its market intelligence and research have provided opportunities for stakeholder engagement around affordable housing, collaborating with a vast range of funders and partners that support improved access to affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity
The number of affordable homes that Habitat for Humanity has built in Africa is in the millions. This global nonprofit assists families to build or improve affordable homes by partnering with volunteers and homeowners, who work together to construct homes. It depends on payments from homeowners, donations, fundraisers, and no-interest loans from supporters, through its revolving Fund for Humanity to finance construction. Further, through its Humanity ReStores, it sells new and ‘gently-used’ furniture, building materials, and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. The proceeds from this venture are used to build homes and improve communities.
GIC
The Gap Infrastructure Corporation is responsible for creating some 100,000 housing establishments across Africa, largely in South Africa. This arm focuses on low-cost housing development and infrastructure, prioritising turnkey solutions such as aiding with the formalisation of informal settlements. It has developed some 30,000 full-title stands in the past five years. Another arm, GIC Housing Finance, offers a variety of home loan products, with home loans of up to 90% of the property value over 30 years.
TAF Africa Global
TAF has a goal to build one million affordable quality homes between 2018 and 2038. It is active in nine African countries, with a strong presence in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. It is a real estate development company focused on affordable housing, integrating sustainable business practices into its projects, such as renewable energy and green building standards. It is responsible for building some 20,000 affordable homes in Port Harcourt, a city in Nigeria that is struggling to provide housing for the vast number of workers employed by oil-based operations.
Karmod Prefabrk
This organisation is changing the face of affordable housing through modular builds and prefab construction methods that create homes that are cost-effective and sustainable. They offer single- and two-storey homes, modular cabins, container homes, and mobile/temporary housing. Karmod works with nonprofit organisations, housing associations, and government agencies that aim to provide safe, secure and affordable housing to low-income families or those with limited financial resources.
Generally, there are no negatives associated with building affordable housing for those in need. One need only look to the moment when a person who has endured squatting or homelessness through circumstances beyond their control is handed the keys to a home they can afford. That is truly priceless.
“Housing is a human right. There can be no fairness or justice in a society in which some live in homelessness, or in the shadow of that risk, while others cannot even imagine it.”
— Jordan Flaherty, award-winning journalist, producer and communications professional, and author.
As Africa continues its journey toward unity, resilience and sustainable development, affordable housing stands out as both a challenge and a catalyst for broader social progress. From celebrating Africa Day to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the continent’s efforts in housing are emblematic of a deeper commitment to dignity, equality and shared prosperity. With collaboration between governments, development institutions, private enterprises and communities, the dream of secure, decent housing for all Africans is no longer a distant hope — it is a cornerstone of the continent’s future.
