Africa’s Urban Housing Crisis Worsens Amid Affordability Concerns, Warns Shelter Afrique
A growing number of urban residents across Africa are unable to afford formal housing, with supply failing to keep pace with rising demand, says Nisan Abdulkader, Head of Communications and External Affairs at Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, Ms Abdulkader highlighted a significant structural imbalance in the continent’s housing market, where urban populations are increasing rapidly while the pace of urban expansion remains insufficient.
“There is a growing population in urban cities, but the cities are not growing at the same rate,” she said during a session on the theme, “Unlocking Finance for Housing and Urban Development: Best Practices.”
The shortage of affordable housing is compounded by weak land laws, lack of security, and poor titling systems, which further inhibit the construction of new homes.
Speaking further, Ms Abdulkader stressed the need for forward-looking housing projects that combine affordability with sustainability.
“The next homes of the future are yet to be built. It’s vital to focus on scalable, green, and sustainable housing solutions to ensure that both affordability and environmental sustainability are integrated,” she noted.
The session convened leading government officials, private sector experts, and urban development specialists to discuss innovative financing approaches for addressing the continent’s housing crisis.
Key themes included the role of public-private partnerships, the potential of green bonds, and the need for increased institutional investment to boost housing delivery.
Discussions also centered on strategies for tackling the affordability gap, improving urban planning practices, and integrating climate resilience into the design of future housing.
Industry leaders warned that without urgent action to reform policies and unlock financing, Africa’s urban housing deficit will continue to grow, hindering the continent’s broader economic development.
