AG Shelter Afrique Plans to Establish a Center of Excellence in Construction Materials in Collaboration with Algeria
Thierno-Habib Hann, the Director General (DG) of the Shelter Africa Development Bank (ShafDB), announced on Thursday in Algiers that the bank plans to establish a center of excellence focused on construction materials in partnership with Algeria, with the goal of transferring expertise to other African nations.
In a statement to APS during the 44th General Assembly (AG) of the Shelter Africa Development Bank, taking place in Algiers from July 15 to 17, Hann explained that this center “aims to transfer technology and knowledge to African countries in the construction materials sector.” He noted that this initiative will empower Algerian companies to export their expertise and products to various African markets.
Concerning the bank’s strategy for the forthcoming period, he stated that addressing the continent’s estimated deficit of 52 million housing units is a top priority, requiring over $1 trillion in funding.
As mandated by African nations through the African Union (AU), ShafDB will strive to mobilize financial resources for these countries within the housing and urban development sectors, he elaborated.
Hann emphasized that the bank seeks to foster public-private partnerships, enhance knowledge exchange among African nations, and promote local production of construction materials, thereby creating added value and supporting trade between producing and consuming countries.
When asked about the possibility of incorporating new shareholders from outside the continent, Hann clarified that the bank’s shareholder structure comprises three categories: African countries, African enterprises, and external shareholders, including private companies, funds, and insurance companies.
