Shelter Afrique Development Bank and the AU partner for urban development in Africa

Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Union (AU) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding to address critical housing and urban development challenges on the African continent.

This partnership grants Shelter Afrique observer status with the African Union, marking an important step in the achievement of Agenda 2063. It demonstrates the shared commitment to improving the living conditions and well-being of African citizens.

Clear objectives for strategic collaboration

With an estimated need of 53 million housing units and a funding gap of $1.4 trillion, the agreement aims to mobilize resources, propose innovative solutions, and develop transformative policies. Key areas of collaboration include:

• Sustainable Housing and Urban Development : Initiatives to support environmentally friendly and climate-resilient communities.
• Reducing the Housing Deficit : Strategies to Improve Urban Settlements and Reduce Housing Shortages.
• Capacity building : Training programs for decision-makers, promoters and stakeholders.
• Resource Mobilization : Coordination with regional and international financial institutions to obtain financial and technical support.
• Policy development and advocacy : Actions to elevate housing issues to national, regional and international priorities.
• Research and technological innovation : Adoption of advanced technologies for housing and urban planning.
• Environmental sustainability : Measures to strengthen the climate resilience of urban infrastructure.

The agreement also provides for cooperation with AU subsidiary bodies, such as AUDA-NEPAD and the Peace Fund, to harmonize efforts across the continent.

Implementation and prospects

A Joint Action Plan (JAP) will be developed to detail activities, establish timelines, and ensure effective follow-up. Additional agreements may be signed to address new shared priorities.

At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, said: "We warmly welcome Shelter Afrique Development Bank as a strategic collaborator. Together, we will mobilize the necessary resources to address the housing gap and promote inclusive and sustainable urbanization."

Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Chief Executive Officer of ShafDB, added: “This MoU marks an important milestone for sustainable housing in Africa. By collaborating with the African Union, we are strengthening our ability to deliver transformative solutions to improve the quality of life for millions of people.”

This partnership, according to those involved, aims to pave the way for significant progress in the field of housing and urban development, aligned with the objectives of Agenda 2063 for a prosperous and inclusive future in Africa.

The Emissary