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SPOTLIGHTS
- The caucus will facilitate dialogue and information sharing on best practices in housing policy and implementation
- It will help identify common challenges and opportunities in the housing sector to develop effective strategies for collective action
- The caucus will serve as a continental advocacy platform to prioritise the housing sector among national governments and international institutions
From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has been unanimously elected the inaugural chairperson of the Financial Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development.
The decision was made by shareholders of Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) at the institution’s 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, an initiative of Dangiwa during his tenure as the 42nd Chairman of the Bank’s AGM Bureau, was officially approved by ShafDB shareholders and launched on Thursday, 13 June 2024.
A statement explained that the caucus was designed to provide a platform for the ministers to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop policies and financing strategies to enhance their efforts in delivering sustainable and affordable housing solutions in their respective countries.
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Its aim, the statement further explained, is to create synergy by leveraging the collective strength of member-countries, drawing on their unique experiences and resources to address Africa’s common housing challenges.
Specifically, the Caucus will facilitate dialogue and information sharing by promoting best practices in housing policy, regulation, and implementation.
“It will help identify common challenges and opportunities in the housing sector to develop effective strategies for collective action and explore ways to mobilise resources and expertise from international partners, private sector stakeholders, and development organisations to support housing initiatives.
“Additionally, the caucus will serve as a continental advocacy platform to prioritise the housing sector among national governments and bilateral and multilateral institutions,” the statement explained.
In response to his election, Dangiwa stated that the establishment of the Financial Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development presents a unique opportunity to galvanise collective action and accelerate progress towards inclusive and sustainable housing development in Africa.
“I am excited that the shareholders not only considered and approved the establishment of the caucus, which I proposed, but also went on to appoint me to lead it as the inaugural Chair. I pledge to give it my best. By fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and mobilising resources, we can transform our continent’s housing landscape and significantly improve the quality of life for millions of our citizens. It is important for us to recognise that as Africans, we are one. We have a common continent; we have a common destiny, and our progress or backwardness reflects on us all. We must therefore be deliberate in supporting ourselves to make unified progress across all sectors. As far as housing and urban development is concerned, it is up to us, and Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, to ensure that we move forward together,” he said.
