Special envoy to Algiers.
Algiers, July 15, 2025 – In a solemn atmosphere and resolutely turned towards the future, the proceedings of the 44th Annual General Assembly of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank opened in Algiers on Tuesday. The meeting brings together ministers, representatives of the 44 member states, technical and financial partners, as well as numerous personalities from the housing and urban planning sector.
In his opening speech, Thierno Habib Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, praised the leading role of Algeria in housing policy, citing a “historic and exemplary commitment to social housing” that now serves as a reference at the continental level. He also expressed deep gratitude to the Algerian authorities, especially to the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and the City, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, as well as to the Vice-President of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Ms. Selma El Haddadi, who was present at this session.
Under the theme of “Financial sovereignty in the housing sector in Africa”, this general assembly aims to lay the groundwork for an ambitious strategy to free African states from their dependence on external financing, by promoting endogenous mechanisms that are resilient and adapted to local realities.
“This is not a theoretical aspiration, but a concrete imperative,” emphasized the Managing Director, noting that Shelter Afrique recorded a confirmed return to profitability in 2024, supported by positive ratings in Kenya, Nigeria, and Mauritius. This momentum now allows the institution to mobilize more resources in local currency and support the creation of sovereign housing financing vehicles.
As part of its New Dawn strategy, Shelter Afrique is focusing on innovative instruments: bond issuances in local currencies, credit guarantee mechanisms, and pilot projects for smart, ecological, and affordable housing, currently being deployed in Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania, and Kenya.
“We are not only financing housing. We are also defining their quality, environmental impact, and sustainability,” insisted Mr. Hann, highlighting the rise of climate architecture on the continent, as well as the continued growth of green bond markets in Africa.
Several priorities were announced: the widespread use of the VIRAL diagnostic tool, strengthening strategic advisory services to states, rigorous project preparation, and the future issuance of African green bonds dedicated to housing.
In a strong call to collective action, Mr. Hann urged member states, institutional partners, and donors to fully commit to structurally transforming the housing sector. This involves harmonizing policies, recognizing housing as productive infrastructure, using local materials more effectively, and integrating regional construction value chains.
Furthermore, the Managing Director praised the commitment of states that have already supported Shelter Afrique’s capital increase initiative, as well as the crucial support of partners such as BADEA, Afreximbank, and AAMFI (Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions). “It is this convergence of political leadership, financial commitment, and technical will that will anchor housing sovereignty sustainably on our continent,” he affirmed.
This 44th Assembly promises to be decisive for the future of housing in Africa. Shelter Afrique aims to assert its role as a strategic catalyst for dignified, accessible, sustainable, and sovereignly financed housing.
