news-room-2025 Archives

African Union signs MoU with Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) to boost development of sustainable housing for post-conflict & crisis affected communities

Congo, Brazzaville – 03rd June 2026 The African Union and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will boost the development of sustainable housing for post-conflict and crisis affected communities in a bid to support inclusive urban development.

Speaking on the sidelines of the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Congo, Brazzaville, the African Union affirmed it’s position in championing for sustainable development across the continent. The MoU is to leverage and develop project pipelines for the two institutions.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding is a true testament to our commitment to championing the Africa We Want. This is in alignment with Agenda 2063 which calls for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa” says Dagmawit Moges, Director Peace Fund Secretariat, African Union.

On his part, the Managing Director, ShafDB, Thierno-Habib Hann re-affirmed the importance of the partnership to the institution’s strategic focus on it’s Pan-African mandate.

“At Shelter Afrique Development Bank, we recognize that access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is not only a basic human need but also a catalyst for economic recovery, social cohesion, inclusion and long-term stability. Communities emerging from conflict and crises require more than emergency assistance; they need durable solutions that enable families to rebuild their future and participate fully in economic and social life of host communities.”

The partnership between, the African Union and ShafDB will promote peacebuilding, resilience and job creation through co-operation on capacity building and livelihood-oriented initiatives. This will include housing construction-related activities to support the socio-economic reintegration of youth and vulnerable populations including displaced persons, migrants and refugees.

African nations continue to endure multiple developmental challenges from resource mobilization to elevated conflict. The push towards institutional cooperation has been able to drive transformation of vulnerable communities across Africa. The call towards unlocking financing partnerships is expected to address the significant housing deficit Africa continues to face. These initiatives are expected to significantly impact delivery of sustainable housing, resilient communities to several priority sectors that promote inclusive development, leading to improved living conditions, and job creation.

Notes to Editor

About Shelter-Afrique Development Bank

Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

For further enquiries, please contact:

Mike Omuodo | Media Fast PR| Tel: +254 736 014 596| Email: mike.omuodo@mediafast.co.ke|

Algeria to Host Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s 44th AGM in July

Algiers, Algeria – [14 May, 2025] – Algeria is set to host Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s (ShafDB) 44^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Housing Symposium in July 2025, the Bank has disclosed.

The high-level event, set to take place in Algiers from 15^th to 17^th July 2025 at Hotel El Aurassi in Algiers, Algers, will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and development finance leaders to discuss strategies for advancing affordable housing and sustainable urban development across Africa.

The AGM, which will convene under the theme: “Self-Reliance and Sovereignty in the Housing Industry in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges”, will bring together Ministers of Housing and Finance from member States, shareholders, central banks, mayors, private developers, investors, and development finance partners to explore ways of transforming the promise of urban Africa into tangible, inclusive progress.

The meeting will provide a platform to review ShafDB’s performance, assess progress in its strategic initiatives, and formulate policies that will shape the institution’s role in addressing Africa’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

Speaking on the upcoming AGM, Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Thierno-Habib Hann, expressed his enthusiasm about the selection of Algeria as the host country.

“We appreciate our member countries for their continued commitment to affordable housing and urban development across Africa. Algeria’s role in hosting the Extraordinary General Meeting in 2023—where Shelter Afrique was transformed into a Development Bank—and now the 44th AGM in Algiers, reflects the collective momentum and shared vision of our members. We look forward to collaborating with all our partners and stakeholders to advance impactful housing initiatives and drive inclusive economic growth across the continent,” Mr. Hann said.

Key agenda for the AGM will include discussions on capital mobilization, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery.

Additionally, the meeting will feature ministerial roundtables and high-level policy dialogues; plenary sessions to explore urban resilience, local solutions to housing challenges; technical forums, exhibitions and investment showcases, and networking sessions aimed at fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

“As Africa continues to face a growing demand for affordable housing, Shelter Afrique Development Bank remains committed to championing solutions that enhance urban resilience, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth. The 44^th AGM in Algiers is expected to yield critical resolutions that will guide the institution’s strategic direction in the years ahead,” Mr. Hann quipped.

Notes to Editor

About Shelter-Afrique Development Bank

For further enquiries, please contact:

Mike Omuodo | Media Fast PR| Tel: +254 736 014 596| Email: mike.omuodo@mediafast.co.ke|