Addis Ababa, August 19, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to expanding affordable housing, strengthening urban resilience, and protecting vulnerable communities, the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure announced on Tuesday.
The pledge was highlighted during a high-level panel discussion on housing in Ethiopia and across Africa, organized in Addis Ababa by Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia in collaboration with the Habitat for Humanity Africa Area Office. The forum brought together policymakers, development partners, and experts to share best practices and co-develop actionable strategies to advance inclusive housing solutions.
Opening the discussion, State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure Hellen Debebe stressed that housing is more than a physical shelter, describing it as “a foundation for dignity, security, and economic opportunity.” She noted that access to adequate housing remains central to Ethiopia’s development priorities, adding that the government is pursuing multiple housing delivery mechanisms to ease longstanding shortages.
“We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with partners to expand access to affordable housing, strengthen urban resilience, and uplift the most vulnerable groups,” she said.
Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford underscored the need to shift “from shelter to system” in order to build sustainable and inclusive housing across Africa. He emphasized that advancing climate-resilient environments is vital to ensuring safe, healthy, and future-proof housing for communities.
Judith Nabakooba, Chairperson of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Housing and Urbanization (AU-STC No.8), highlighted the importance of affordable housing, targeted capacity building, improved coordination, and experience sharing among member states. She called for concrete actions to address mounting urban housing challenges.
She further noted that the African Union, under its Agenda 2063, recognizes adequate housing as a cornerstone of inclusive development, urban resilience, and social equity, with the goal of reducing the continent’s housing deficit and advancing sustainable urbanization.