African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) – an association of mortgage banks, building societies, microfinance institutions and banks, housing corporations and other organizations involved in the mobilisation of funds for shelter and housing on the African continent has called for more Nigerian presence in the association.

Kecia Rust, Executive Secretary of the association spoke with key housing and finance stakeholders in Nigeria at the 13th Abuja International Housing Show on Thursday in a breakfast meeting.

Nigeria, according to Kecia Rust is underrepresented and shouldn’t be, because of how important Nigeria is in Africa and more so because of what the country can benefit.

She mentioned that AUHF is already working with NMRC because they have similar objectives, especially with regards to use of good data. It is her expectation that more Nigerian housing and finance institutions join the team in order to collectively drive the affordable housing market in Africa.

They also organise an annual housing finance course of one week for Sub Sahara Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. The course, according to Rust, is in collaboration with International Union for Housing Finance.

The AUHF was established as a member based body of housing lenders in 1984. Today, AUHF comprises of 49 members from 16 countries across the continent.

As an industry body, the AUHF promotes the development of effective housing finance markets, and the delivery of affordable housing across Africa, working in the interests of both the members and the industry as a whole.

The association supports its members in realising their vision, through networking and deal facilitation, information collection and dissemination, lobbying and advocacy, and capacity building and training.

By Ojonugwa Felix Ugboja