On Tuesday, Thierno-Habib Hann, the Director General of Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), praised Algeria’s achievements in the housing sector, calling it a “model to emulate” at the continental level due to its emphasis on utilizing local capabilities for project implementation.
At the opening of the 44th Annual General Meeting of ShafDB, which took place from July 15 to 17 in Algiers under the theme “Self-Reliance and Sovereignty in the Housing Industry in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges,” Hann highlighted Algeria’s housing program as a “continental benchmark in terms of scale, organization, and social impact.” He emphasized that it aims to provide decent housing for every citizen while bolstering the local economy, generating jobs, and fostering urban cohesion.
Hann also noted that Algeria’s experience will be showcased during the AGM sessions, positioning it as a model for housing policies that leverage national resources and capabilities.
Furthermore, he reported improvements in the bank’s financial indicators over the past two years, which have facilitated the mobilization of local currency resources across various African countries and the development of sovereign instruments to finance housing projects.
As part of its new strategy, the bank is focused on creating mixed financing mechanisms to support “affordable, smart, and environmentally friendly” housing projects. This includes launching pilot initiatives, establishing loan guarantee mechanisms, and issuing bonds in West African nations.
In this context, he underscored that the bank continues to provide consulting and support services to member states while enhancing strategic dialogue around financing solutions tailored to local market conditions. Additionally, the bank is committed to issuing green bonds dedicated to housing and promoting climate-conscious architectural designs.
Chii Akporji, Chairperson of the Bank’s Board of Directors, affirmed that Algeria has played a “central role” in advancing the sovereignty process within the housing sector across Africa. She specified that this approach has enabled the bank to become “a key player in market structuring rather than simply adapting to it.”
In a virtual address, Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, whose country chaired the previous session of the General Assembly, emphasized the importance of establishing “affordable and inclusive” housing solutions throughout the continent. He commended member states for their commitment to expanding the bank’s scope and mobilizing new capital.
Addressing the assembly participants, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, serving as the “Champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” remarked that Algeria’s hosting of the 44th Annual General Meeting reflects “the unwavering commitment of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune towards the development and prosperity of the African continent.”
Emphasizing that housing is a fundamental human necessity and a crucial condition for stability and sustainable human development, Issoufou urged member states to enhance the capital of the Bank, particularly through the involvement of investors and various funds. He stated that this initiative represents “an investment in financial stability and in the shared future of the continent’s peoples.”
