Africa Must Forge Stronger Partnerships to Tackle Housing Crisis – Dr Manzungu

By Sharon Da Fonseca

Sub-Saharan infrastructure and business leader Dr. Tinashe Manzungu, Co-Chair of the Committee on Infrastructure at the Africa Business Council (ABC), has called for stronger continental partnerships, increased investment and regional cooperation to address Africa’s housing crisis and unlock economic growth.

 

Addressing delegates under the theme “Leveraging Partnerships for Sustainable Affordable Housing for Low-Income and Informal Workers,” Dr. Manzungu said the continent’s housing deficit has reached critical levels, with more than 51 million housing units currently needed and demand projected to rise significantly by 2030.

“Africa’s housing challenge is not merely a social issue; it is an economic development issue and one of the continent’s most significant investment opportunities,” he said.

He noted that more than half of urban residents in Sub-Saharan Africa live in informal settlements, underscoring the urgent need for affordable housing solutions that can improve living standards while creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.

Dr. Manzungu said housing development has the potential to drive industrialisation by creating demand for local building materials, manufacturing, transport services and infrastructure while generating employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

He stressed that no single stakeholder could solve the challenge alone.

“Governments cannot do it alone. The private sector cannot do it alone. Financial institutions cannot do it alone. Development partners cannot do it alone. The solution lies in partnerships that bring together capital, innovation, policy support and implementation capacity,” he said.

The Africa Business Council infrastructure leader urged African countries to leverage the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen regional construction value chains, increase intra-African trade in building materials and promote cross-border investment in housing and infrastructure projects.

According to Dr. Manzungu, greater collaboration between African nations could help reduce construction costs, improve access to finance and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing for millions of people.

He also called for innovative financing mechanisms, expanded mortgage accessibility, investment in serviced land and the adoption of modern construction technologies to meet growing urban housing demand.

Dr. Manzungu highlighted the broader infrastructure gap facing the continent, noting that housing development must be integrated with investments in transport networks, water and sanitation systems, energy infrastructure and digital connectivity to create sustainable communities.

As President of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), he used the platform to showcase investment opportunities in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, citing ongoing demand for housing, infrastructure development and smart city projects.

He said Zimbabwe requires substantial investment in housing and infrastructure over the coming decade and is positioning itself as a strategic destination for regional and international investors seeking opportunities in Southern Africa.

Dr. Manzungu concluded by urging delegates to move beyond discussions and focus on actionable partnerships that can mobilise investment and deliver tangible results for African families.

“Let this gathering be remembered not only for the conversations we have had, but for the partnerships we have forged and the homes we will build together across Africa,” he said.

The Africa International Housing Show is Africa’s largest housing and construction forum, bringing together governments, development finance institutions, investors, developers and industry leaders to explore solutions to the continent’s housing and urban development challenges.