This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Africa's housing crisis is a pressing concern, with the continent facing a staggering shortage of 56 million housing units, out of which 45 million are in the affordable housing bracket.
According to Shelter Afrique's CEO, Mr. Andrew Chimphondah, the overall shortage is a result of high population growth, increased urbanization, poor urban planning, dysfunctional land markets, rising construction costs, proliferation of informal settlements, and underdeveloped financial systems.
Speaking in Nairobi, Mr. Chimphondah emphasized the need for a massive investment to address the issue, stating that the continent requires at least $1.4 trillion, excluding the cost of bulk infrastructure, to meet the demand for affordable housing.
He noted that the housing units deficit in Nigeria is 22 million, while Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have a deficit of 3 million each. Kenya, South Africa, and Madagascar have an estimated deficit of over 2 million units.
Mr. Chimphondah urged governments, multilateral institutions, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to collaborate in addressing the housing issue before it becomes unmanageable.
“If we do not intervene, we are going to see the surge of slums and substandard dwellings across Africa,” he warned.
Shelter Afrique has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to mobilize capital for affordable housing, a move that Mr. Chimphondah believes will help address the issue.
