The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has been unanimously elected as the maiden Chairperson of the Financial Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development.
A statement on the website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, said the decision to make Dangiwa the inaugural chairperson was made by the shareholders of Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) during their 43rd Annual General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dangiwa, as chairperson, will lead the Caucus in fostering collaboration among African housing ministers to share knowledge, develop policies, and address common housing challenges.
Also, Dangiwa is expected to promote best practices, mobilise resources, and advocate for the housing sector.
Speaking on his election, Dangiwa said that the Caucus presents a unique opportunity to galvanise collective action and accelerate progress toward inclusive and sustainable housing development in Africa.
“I am excited that the shareholders not only considered and approved the establishment of the Caucus, which I proposed, but also went on to appoint me to lead it as the inaugural Chair. I pledge to give it my best,” he said.
“By fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and mobilising resources, we can transform our continent’s housing landscape and significantly improve the quality of life for millions of our citizens. It is important for us to recognize that as Africans, we are one.
“We have a common continent; we have a common destiny, and our progress or backwardness reflects on us all. We must therefore be deliberate in supporting ourselves to make unified progress across all sectors. As far as housing and urban development is concerned, it is up to us and Ministers of Housing and Urban Development to ensure that we move forward together.”
Dangiwa expressed confidence about the Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, anticipating key benefits such as enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange among ministers, leading to innovative housing policies and strategies.
He expects increased investments in affordable housing projects, supported by international donors and private sector partnerships, to improve access to decent housing for low-income populations, thereby reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion.
Speaking further Dangiwa believes the Caucus will strengthen institutional capacities and regulatory frameworks for sustainable housing solutions while raising awareness and advocacy for housing issues on regional and international development agendas.
The Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a pan-African housing finance institution with shareholders from 44 African governments, the African Development Bank, and the African Re-Insurance Corporation.
