Pan-African financier of housing development, shelter Afrique has urged African governments to prioritize partnerships in their efforts to provide their citizens with affordable accommodation.
According to Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, housing is fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Hann argues that the formation of long-lasting partnerships is of utmost significance for achieving substantial and significant progress in the field of affordable housing provision.
Mr. Hann stated, “Adequate housing is one of the most important components of the Sustainable Development Goals, and achieving the housing goals will require collaborative efforts and the formation of fruitful partnerships among the housing sector’s key players.”
According to research conducted by Shelter Afrique’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), the overall housing shortage in Africa is estimated to exceed 56 million units, of which more than 90 percent fall into the affordable housing category.
“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,” Mr. Hann said.
Mr. Hann spoke on the sideline 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 Hon. Namuganza Persis Princess to establish a solid foundation for partnership. He also held bilateral talks with the Niger delegation led by Hon. Mr. Maizoumbou Laoual Amadou, Niger’s Minister of Town Planning and Housing, on future cooperation on sustainable urban development.
Mr. Hann also joined forces with the Zimbabwe delegation, led by Hon. Daniel Garwe, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, to discuss collaborative opportunities with the delegates at the event.
Strategically aligned
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.
This year’s event was held from 5 to 9 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme: A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in times of global crises.
“The thematic debates and discussions during the Assembly, which included universal Access to affordable housing, Urban climate action, urban crises recovery, localization of the SDGs, and prosperity and local finance, are aligned with our overall strategy as an organisation,” Mr. Hann concluded.
