MEDIA ADVISORY

High-Level Event on Innovative Finance for Sustainable Urban Housing In Africa

What: The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with Shelter Afrique, is hosting a high-level side event on "Innovative Financing for Sustainable Urban Housing in Africa" during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

When: 14 February 2025 | 14:00 – 17:00 EAT

Where: Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Who: High-level participants including Ministers of Housing, Urban Development, Infrastructure and Construction from African Union Member States, AUDA-NEPAD and AU Officials, Heads of Pan-African Institutions, Infrastructure Experts, Private Sector Investors, Banks, and Real Estate Developers.

Background:

The rapid urbanization of African cities presents both significant challenges and opportunities for sustainable development across the continent. As urban populations grow, the demand for affordable housing has surged, leading to a stark gap between supply and demand. This discrepancy fuels the expansion of informal settlements and puts considerable strain on urban infrastructure, impeding both economic growth and social stability.

The side event aims to address these critical issues by bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, and urban planners to discuss innovative financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of African cities. The event will focus on integrating housing initiatives with broader urban planning and infrastructure investments, fostering a holistic approach to urban development that emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and economic viability.

The event will serve to build strategic partnerships that leverage both public and private resources to meet the continent's housing needs.

This collaboration aligns with the goals of the Agenda 2063 vision and supports the operationalization of the Joint Action Plan between AUDA-NEPAD and Shelter Afrique, contributing to the development of transformative, sustainable urban housing solutions for Africa

Media Opportunities:

• Interviews with key policymakers
• Photo and video opportunities during the event and networking lunch

AGENDA:

14h:30-15h00-Opening Remarks

• CEO of the African Union Development Agency- NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)
• Managing Director - Shelter Afrique
• Honorable Minister of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Kenya (TBC)
• Honorable Minister of Urban Development and Construction, Ethiopia (TBC)

15h00-15h30:  Case Studies: Success Stories from Countries and DFIs 15h30-16h00: Panel Discussion: "Leveraging Public and Private Capital for Housing and Urban Development"

16h00-16h30: Interactive Session: engaging stakeholders in Policy Making

16h30-16h45: Signing of an MOU between AUDA-NEPAD and Shelter Afrique

16h45-17h00: Closing Remarks

For more information contact

Ms. Zipporah Maubane | Head of Communications and Advocacy | AUDA- NEPAD | E-mail: Zipporah@nepad.org

Nissan: Nisan Abdulkader, Director for External Affairs and Communications, Shelter Afrique nabdulkader@shelterafrique.org            

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube