Browsing: UN-Habitat

population explosion in Africa
  • Africa’s urban population is poised to hit almost one billion in 2035.
  • This population explosion poses both threats and opportunities.
  • Population growth will grow more dynamic and wealthier consumer markets.

The ongoing population explosion in Africa poses both opportunities for economic growth and threats that could dampen the hopes for billions of people. According to the latest surveys, the African continent is expected to record one of the fastest rates of population growth worldwide.

For instance, insights from the Economist Intelligence Unit’s African Cities 2035 report states, “African cities will record rapid urbanization in the next decade, creating a mixed bag of socio-economic opportunities and challenges.”

“Africa has and will continue to have the fastest rate of urbanization of the world’s major regions through 2035. Africa’s urban population will rise from about 650 million in 2023 to almost one billion in 2035,” reads the report in part.

According to …

City planning future cities
  • Over 68% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas in 2050 up from the current 55%.
  • However, poor living conditions are worsening with about 1.1 billion people worldwide residing in informal settlements or slums.
  • Furthermore, another 318 million people are either homeless or at risk of homelessness globally.

As the world grapples with the unprecedented pace of urbanization, the role of city planning has never been more critical. As populations surge, housing shortages bite harder, and the impacts of climate change manifest in increasingly severe ways, the traditional paradigms of city planning are being challenged like never before.

As projections indicate that over 68 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas by 2050, the imperative need for visionary city planning has never been clearer, Dr. Erfan Ali, Chief of Staff at UN-Habitat, Nairobi, told delegates at a forum on Future Cities at …

The Stalled Saglemi Housing project in Ghana Pinterest
  • The World Bank data shows remittances by Africans in the diaspora hit over $95.6 billion in 2021 with Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya among the highest recipients of the inflows.
  • Africa has a housing deficit of about 56 million units driven largely by urbanization and population growth, which has left governments struggling to meet the demand for affordable units.
  • Many of the 40,000 people moving to African cities every day cannot afford basic formal housing or access loans to acquire homes.

Pan African housing development financier, Shelter Afrique, is targeting Africans living and working abroad to enhance the delivery of affordable housing agenda across the continent.

Shelter Afrique managing director Thierno-Habib Hann said over 170 million people of African descent that live and work in various countries across the world present a formidable resource pool for the continent’s infrastructure development, including housing.

“African diaspora populations are growing, as are their savings …

Dakar hosts European investors as EIB commits €3 billion

The Senegalese capital of Dakar is hosting Africa Day 2020 with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and UN-Habitat presenting various opportunities for investors, with an aim of increasing levels of investment in the housing and habitat in the continent.

Africa Day gathers participants from Africa, Europe, and others parts of the world to debate the challenges and solutions for the continent in development, digitalization, sustainability, jobs for young people and many other areas. “Cities for people” is the main topic at EIB Africa Day conference.

More than 400 government ministers, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives, as well as mayors from across Africa, are sharing sustainable urban development best practice, confirm new investment across the continent and visit high impact projects financed by the EIB.

High-level speakers, from Africa and Europe, will attend Africa Day 2020 to share their experiences and expertise. EIB President Werner Hoyer, EIB Vice-President Ambroise …