Business Quest Team 
- Shelter Afrique Development Bank and IFC Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Innovative Financing for Affordable and Sustainable Housing Across Africa;
Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration aimed at expanding affordable housing, strengthening urban development, and mobilizing private capital for sustainable housing initiatives across Africa.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a significant milestone in unlocking innovative housing finance and urban infrastructure solutions on the continent.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, said:
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with IFC marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to accelerating affordable and sustainable housing across Africa.
By combining Shelter Afrique’s deep sector expertise with IFC’s global investment and advisory capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to mobilize capital, drive innovation, and support impactful housing projects that improve lives and contribute to the continent’s economic transformation.”
Under the partnership, ShafDB and IFC will collaborate on a range of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen Africa’s housing ecosystem.
These include enhancing corporate governance and risk management frameworks, improving investment readiness for housing projects, building developer capacity in green construction and climate resilience, promoting sustainable and resilient housing solutions, and supporting capital market resource mobilization initiatives. IFC Vice President for Africa, Mr. Ethiopis Tafara added:
“Housing lies at the core of Africa’s growth—driving jobs,expanding opportunity, and shaping inclusive communities.
Through our partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank, IFC is mobilizing private capital and innovative solutions to help close the housing gap and raise living standards across the continent.”
Africa has a housing shortfall of 56 million units as of 2025, which requires an estimated $3 trillion in capital investments.
Shelter Afrique’s MD further noted that the partnership will accelerate adoption of innovative tools and approaches to improve housing affordability and access, while fostering stronger public-private sector collaboration in the housing value chain.
