Africa’s Urban Boom Spurs Investment in Green Housing and Sustainable Cities

Africa’s cities are transforming at an unprecedented pace, and a new wave of investment and partnerships is beginning to address the continent’s urgent housing needs with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and innovation.

In Eswatini, a landmark EcoCity masterplan is taking shape through a partnership between UN-Habitat and the African Development Bank. The project, which targets over 100,000 residents, will integrate sustainable housing with agricultural development, aiming to set a model for green urban planning on the continent. The EcoCity initiative is not only about homes but also about building self-sufficient communities where food production and energy efficiency go hand in hand with modern infrastructure.

Elsewhere, the drive for sustainable housing is gaining momentum through private and international finance. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has recently made a significant loan of ZAR 1 billion (approximately US $58 million) to Balwin Properties for the construction of Mooikloof City, just east of Pretoria, South Africa. This ambitious project will deliver more than 16,000 energy-efficient, affordable homes, addressing housing shortages while pioneering eco-friendly building practices.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the IFC is also supporting urban expansion with a $27 million loan to Addoha, enabling the construction of 5,600 mixed-income housing units in Greater Abidjan. The focus here is on inclusive urban growth, providing quality living spaces for diverse income groups and bolstering the city’s economic vitality.

Across the continent, the scale of the opportunity is immense. The African Development Bank estimates that Africa’s housing deficit could represent a staggering $1.4 trillion investment opportunity by 2050. This gap is drawing the attention of global investors, developers, and policymakers looking to harness urbanization for sustainable development.

Momentum is also building at the policy and finance level. High-profile events such as Shelter Afrique’s annual general meeting and dedicated symposiums are mobilizing innovative finance and cross-sector collaboration for urban solutions. These gatherings underscore the growing recognition that creative financing and public-private partnerships will be essential to deliver the homes, services, and infrastructure Africa’s rapidly growing cities require.

As Africa’s urban population continues to soar, the spotlight is firmly on the delivery of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive housing. With bold investments, fresh thinking, and international partnerships, the continent is moving closer to bridging its housing gap—while setting new benchmarks for green cities and livable urban futures.

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