Africa's Housing Deficit Could Reach 130 Million by 2030

The Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) has reported that Africa is grappling with a housing deficit of 50 million units, which could escalate to 130 million by 2030 if urgent interventions are not implemented. Festus Adebayo, the convener of AIHS, highlighted that rapid population growth and urbanization, coupled with structural challenges in housing delivery, are driving this widening shortfall.

The deficit not only affects shelter but also has implications for job creation, public health, and social stability, with 200 million Africans living in informal settlements. Nigeria is particularly affected, with an estimated housing deficit of 17 to 28 million units, following the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

Adebayo emphasized that addressing this crisis requires coordinated investment and regulatory alignment across African nations. Arc Ahm Musa Dangiwa, Nigeria's Minister of Housing and Urban Development, noted that the country's population is growing at 2.5% annually, exacerbating the housing inadequacies and necessitating a focus on affordability and access to housing finance.