The housing finance market is key in addressing the housing deficit on the African continent. Due to rapid urbanisation and economic growth, there is a growing demand for decent and affordable housing, the provision of which is proven to further promote economic growth and alleviate poverty. Effective housing finance involves pulling together members from a plethora of sectors. Lenders, policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, building societies, and housing developers amongst others, all have a vital role to play. The growth of this industry relies on the mobilisation of funds for housing and shelter in Africa, which is the role of a housing finance body in Africa.
Building Partnerships Between Members
When the members of a successful housing finance body come together, they are able to network and develop partnerships to further the growth of the housing finance industry. The members of a housing finance body should include stakeholders in both government and private sectors. The aim is for these members is to affect transformative changes through effective housing finance institutions and accessible financial housing products for middle to low-income households.
Research and Development
The basis of a successful housing finance body is rooted in thorough research and development. Research, in order to better grasp the challenges facing middle to low-income households by understanding savings and homeownership in Africa. Then, in accordance with the findings, the development of legal and regulatory frameworks to support these households in their bid for proper housing. Building a sustainable housing finance market hinges on the strength of such a system
Sharing Information
When members come together, they are able to share insights into their niche sectors within the housing finance industry and thereby support each other in addressing the housing shortage. When a housing finance body works in unison, they are able to commission research and further disseminate their findings for the betterment of the housing finance industry on the African continent.
Research
The AUHF also commissions research and is currently in collaboration with the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa. Two studies have been completed as part of this collaboration, one on the housing finance sector in Benin and the other on Zimbabwe. Previously the AUHF received a grant to research housing finance demand and practice in four countries: Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa and Swaziland. All research by the AUHF is available in our publications
Member Training
Through member exchanges, workshops, conferences and seminars, the members of a housing finance body are able to build the capacity of the industry as a whole and in turn affect greater transformation. This aspect of such an industry body is pivotal for the professional development of its members in order to promote best practice and share vital industry information and developments.
Strengthening Institutions
The efficient partnership of government and private sectors is dependant on legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks which support the development of housing infrastructure on the African continent. This may involve lobbying and advocacy or a common will to address the scarcity of long term housing finance. This is best done through the formation of partnerships and the creation of open dialogues across the industry. The role of a housing finance body in Africa is entrenched in expanding access to decent housing and, in turn, economic growth. By developing and increasing financial housing products, such collaboration can aid rather than impede urbanisation and economic growth by putting assets into the hands of African people.
