Best Practices for Housing in Africa

This 2021 compendium by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a member of Cities Alliance, highlights positive, impactful initiatives improving adequate and affordable housing across Africa. It features two Cities Alliance-supported projects: a five-year programme in the informal settlement of Peace Island, Monrovia, Liberia, which enhanced housing ecosystems, basic services, community organisation, and influenced national housing policy; and a partnership with South Africa’s National Department of Human Settlements to develop a national toolkit and programme for informal settlement upgrading and secure land tenure, with practical implementation in Durban. The publication also spotlights slum upgrading in Mukuru, Nairobi, Kenya, led by SDI, recognised as a Special Planning Area through advocacy and research. Collectively, these cases demonstrate that effective housing interventions encompass more than shelter, involving comprehensive value chains of supply, basic services, land tenure security, and inclusive urban planning. The compendium offers scalable models for sustainable slum upgrading and urban development in Africa.

Abstract based on original source.