Sustainable Housing Takes Centre Stage as Africa Redefines Urban Future at Shelter Afrique AGM in Algeria

Sustainable housing took centre stage as the Shelter Afrique Development Bank officially opened its 44th Annual General Meeting in Algiers, drawing stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on Africa’s housing future. The afternoon sessions featured two high-level debates that underscored how housing and urban development are fast becoming focal points for policymakers, financiers, and community leaders.

The first session, centred on governance and national housing policies, highlighted the pressing institutional and financial hurdles confronting the sector. Mohamed Mordjani, Director General of Housing at Algeria’s Ministry of Housing, noted that access to decent housing remains a national priority amid mounting demographic pressures. He called for stronger governance, greater transparency, and innovative financing models to deliver territorial equity.

Echoing this, Mohamed Tayeb Abdelouahed of the Algerian Guarantee Fund urged the adoption of financing mechanisms suited to the social fabric. He emphasised that tailored credit guarantees are boosting banking confidence and enabling wider access to housing finance.

Urban economist Astrid Hass argued for efficient resource mobilisation through municipal finance and hybrid ecosystems, stressing that decentralisation must empower local authorities to connect financial innovation with inclusive governance. Meanwhile, Gabon’s Hermann Kamonomono, Director-General of the Société Nationale Immobilière, underlined the role of public and parastatal operators in long-term planning, pointing to Central African experiences where pooled land, expertise, and finance are driving urban transformation.

The second session shifted focus to social innovation and inclusive approaches. Ahmed Nouh of the Amidoul Foundation shared insights from a community-led housing project in Ghardaïa, southern Algeria, which blended heritage techniques with modern sustainability standards to foster belonging and well-being. Kenya’s Jerry Simu highlighted the benefits of community participation and public-private partnerships in affordable housing delivery, particularly through supervised self-build projects.

Sihem Lassel of Algeria’s National Housing Bank showcased the institution’s role in promoting solvency and inclusion through credit innovation, partnerships, and digitalisation. She stressed the need to streamline financing chains to generate a virtuous cycle across the sector.

The debates in Algiers made one point unmistakably clear: Africa’s housing landscape is gaining momentum. By merging institutionalisation with innovation, inclusion, and profitability, the continent is charting a new housing pact – one rooted in citizens’ realities yet open to modern opportunities.

Source : African Property Magazine - Algeria