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Agadir – Morocco is hosting the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Shelter Afrique in Rabat from June 9 to 11, discussing the future of urban development across the continent.
Held under the theme “The Future of Cities: Financing Inclusive, Green and Resilient Urban Development,” the gathering focuses on addressing Africa’s growing housing and urbanization needs while promoting sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
According to a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the AGM program includes a symposium on financing urban development, a ministerial roundtable on sustainable housing and urban development projects, field visits, and the bank’s shareholders’ plenary session scheduled for June 11.
The meeting brings together ministers from member countries of Shelter Afrique, alongside representatives from the public and private sectors and financial and technical partners involved in urban development and housing initiatives across Africa.
Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah chaired the opening ceremony on Tuesday, June 9, where she reaffirmed the importance of Morocco’s vision in strengthening South-South cooperation, particularly with African countries.
The minister expressed Morocco’s satisfaction in hosting what she described as an important continental forum dedicated to housing, urbanization, and territorial development, while also commending Shelter Afrique’s efforts to support the housing sector across Africa.
Highlighting the continent’s demographic and urban transformation, she noted that Africa’s rapid growth presents both “a strategic opportunity and a major challenge,” particularly regarding housing provision, urban infrastructure, and resilience to climate change.
She also pointed to progress achieved by several African countries through land reforms and innovative approaches aimed at fostering sustainable cities. However, she stressed that such efforts should be integrated into “a clear, coherent and long-term urban development approach.”
The minister further underscored the central role of financing in achieving sustainable urban development, emphasizing that it must be viewed through a comprehensive framework encompassing the entire urban development value chain.
The statement added that the minister highlighted Morocco’s experience in housing development, citing advances made in the sector under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
The annual gathering comes as African countries face increasing pressure to accommodate rapidly expanding urban populations while ensuring access to affordable housing, modern infrastructure, and environmentally sustainable urban environments.
