In a significant move to address Africa’s housing and urban development challenges, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) have formalized a Joint Action Plan. This collaboration aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to transform Africa through inclusive and sustainable development.

Key Focus Areas:

– Affordable Housing Development: The initiative prioritizes creating affordable housing solutions to reduce the continent’s housing deficit, ensuring quality housing is accessible to a broader population segment.

– Sustainable Urban Development: By promoting environmentally friendly building practices and resilient infrastructure, the plan aims to cultivate urban areas that are both livable and sustainable.

– Capacity Building and Policy Support: The collaboration seeks to enhance stakeholders’ capabilities in the housing sector through training and policy development, facilitating effective housing strategies.

– Resource Mobilization: A significant aspect involves attracting investments from public and private sectors to finance housing projects, accelerating development efforts.

Implementation Strategy:

To operationalize the Joint Action Plan, AUDA-NEPAD and ShafDB will:

– Develop Detailed Activity Roadmaps: These will outline specific projects, set clear timelines, and establish monitoring mechanisms to track progress.

– Engage in Stakeholder Collaboration: The partnership will work closely with national governments, private sector entities, and other relevant organizations to ensure a coordinated approach to housing development.

– Leverage Technical Expertise: Utilizing the combined technical know-how of both organizations, the initiative aims to implement innovative solutions tailored to Africa’s unique urbanization challenges.

A notable participant in these efforts is OVID Holdings, a real estate development company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During a high-level event on “Innovative Financing for Sustainable Urban Housing in Africa,” held on February 14, 2025, OVID Holdings presented a case study highlighting successful urban development experiences.

Mr. Samson Merid Abebe, the Chief Executive Officer of OVID Holdings, contributed to a panel discussion titled “Leveraging Public and Private Capital for Housing and Urban Development,” sharing insights on mobilizing resources for sustainable housing solutions.