Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Milupi, MP, has invited Shelter Afrique to render its technical and financial support to Zambia in the development of mass and affordable houses in the country.
Hon. Milupi has said Shelter Afrique, as the only pan-African finance institution that exclusively supports the development of the housing and real estate sector in Africa, should consider partnering with Zambia through a Public-Private Partnership model of financing.
The Minister was speaking when he held a bilateral meeting with Shelter Afrique Managing Director, Thierno-Habib Hann, on the sidelines of the ongoing 42nd Shelter Enrique Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Symposium in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Symposium is being held under the theme ‘Political Economy in the Built Environment’
Hon. Milupi hailed Shelter Afrique for the technical and financial support rendered to the development of mass and affordable housing in Africa.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s challenges of raising affordable housing finance in the housing sector.
“I must inform you that Zambia has a housing deficit of about 1.5 million and it is envisaged that the situation might get worse if nothing is done urgently. It is for this reason that we are inviting private companies to partner with government in the construction of mass and affordable houses in the country.” Hon Milupi said.
Hon Milupi reaffirmed the offer Zambia made to host the Shelter Afrique sub region Office.
The Minister also requested Shelter Africa to consider Zambia hosting subsequent Annual General Meetings.
And Mr. Hann praised Zambia for being a good partner to Shelter Afrique.
The Shelter Afrique Chief committed his organization to Zambia for technical and financial support in the development of mass and affordable houses using the PPP model.
Mr. Hann re-affirmed support to Zambia using the emerging opportunities in the housing market such as provision of affordable housing Finance to Financial institutions and housing developers.
He emphasized on private sector participation and the willingness to work with Zambian institutions to finance housing development projects in the country.
Shelter Afrique has in the past assisted the National Housing Authority and Zambian Home Loans in technical and financial support to develop affordable houses.
