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Africa is currently grappling with a housing deficit of over 50 million units, a gap that could surge to 130 million by 2030 if urgent interventions are not implemented.

The estimate was disclosed by Festus Adebayo, Convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), in a press release issued ahead of the event’s 20th edition.

Rapid population growth, accelerating urbanisation, and persistent structural challenges in housing delivery across the continent are driving the widening shortfall.

The deficit affects more than just shelter, with implications for jobs, urban productivity, public health, and social stability, as over 200 million Africans live in informal settlements.

Adebayo warned that without structural reforms, Africa’s housing deficit could rise sharply to 130 million units by 2030. He emphasised that the crisis is driven by limited access to finance, high construction costs, and weak land administration systems.

The shortfall is most acute in Nigeria, with an estimated deficit of 17–28 million units, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo at 3.9 million and South Africa at 2.8–3.7 million units. Other affected countries include Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, and Madagascar.

Adebayo highlighted that Africa faces a housing finance gap exceeding $1.4 trillion, restricting large-scale development.

The housing deficit, while a major challenge, also presents an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build more inclusive cities.

Closing the gap will require coordinated investment, innovation, and regulatory alignment across African nations.

Nigeria’s Federal Government is addressing the country’s housing challenges through the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities programme, with projects spanning all geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

State governments, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and private developers also contribute to housing supply. However, the overall gap between demand and supply remains substantial. With Nigeria’s population growth and rapid urban expansion, demand continues to outpace the available housing stock.

Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa stated that the country needs 550,000 housing units built annually for N5.5 trillion over the next decade to address the shortage.

Nigeria’s population of 200 million is growing at 2.5% annually, exacerbating the deficit.

Dangiwa emphasised that addressing housing inadequacy also requires tackling affordability gaps, limited land access, housing finance constraints, and regional disparities.