This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
Published on August 14, 2019, research has shown that Africa's housing shortage is a pressing issue, with an estimated 56 million housing units needed, out of which 45 million are in the affordable housing bracket.
Shelter Afrique's Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Chimphondah, emphasized the need for substantial funding to address the issue, stating that at an average construction cost of USD 25,000 per unit, the continent requires at least USD 1.4 trillion, excluding the cost of bulk infrastructure.
The CEO attributed the housing challenges in Africa to high population growth, increased urbanisation, poor urban planning, dysfunctional land markets, rising construction costs, proliferation of informal settlements, and underdeveloped financial systems.
Shelter Afrique has partnered with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to mobilise capital for affordable housing, with the goal of addressing the housing deficit in Africa.
According to Chimphondah, Kenya's housing deficit is estimated at over two million units, requiring in excess of Ksh 5 trillion to adequately address the issue of affordable housing.
He stressed the need for focused political leadership to achieve the units and prevent the surge of slums and substandard dwellings across Africa.
