Shelter Afrique & Afreximbank Seal $1B Africa Housing Deal

Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a strategic partnership to unlock over $1 billion in Africa housing finance and infrastructure investment. The move is expected to reshape urban development projects in Africa and strengthen trade across the continent.

The announcement came in Algiers during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), where billions of dollars in business deals are being finalized.

Driving Urban Development Across Africa

The Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF) is designed to provide early-stage financing, helping projects move quickly from concepts to bankable investments. The facility will focus on:

• Affordable housing and construction

• Healthcare and medical infrastructure

• Hospitality and tourism projects

• Industrial and manufacturing hubs

• Commercial infrastructure, logistics, and special economic zones

This makes it one of the most ambitious initiatives for urban development projects Africa has seen in recent years.

Voices From the Deal

Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank, said the partnership would accelerate Africa’s economic transformation:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to accelerate sustainable urban development across Africa. By combining ShafDB’s expertise in housing and Afreximbank’s project experience, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and deliver transformative projects.”

ShafDB CEO Thierno-Habib Hann stressed the importance of fixing Africa’s project pipeline:

“Our sector faces two major structural challenges: the lack of reliable data and the insufficient preparation of projects. The JPPF will enable us to move projects from concept to bankability with speed and precision, unlocking over US$1 billion in investments.”

Capacity-Building for Long-Term Impact

Beyond financing, the deal includes a capacity-building program to equip ShafDB staff with the skills to prepare sustainable and bankable projects. This ensures a stronger pipeline for Africa housing finance in the future.

Both ShafDB and Afreximbank are part of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), underscoring their shared commitment to Afreximbank investments and regional growth.

Why It Matters Now

The IATF2025 event is projected to close with over $44 billion in trade and investment deals, reinforcing its role as one of Africa’s most important platforms for investment opportunities.

This $1 billion partnership signals more than just housing—it represents inclusive growth, resilient cities, and stronger African economies built on homegrown solutions.