By: Aminata Sesay
At the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank, held in Algeria, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, championed innovation, technology sharing, and regional collaboration as key drivers in addressing Africa’s enduring housing crisis.
In his address to fellow ministers, development partners, and housing experts, Dr. Senesie urged African leaders and institutions to move beyond conventional policy frameworks and adopt homegrown solutions tailored to the continent’s unique socio-economic realities.
While commending Algeria for its achievements through state-funded housing initiatives, he pointed out that countries like Sierra Leone require flexible and scalable alternatives, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), to advance their housing agendas.
Central to the Minister’s message was a call to expand the use of locally sourced building materials and African-developed construction technologies. He stressed that sustainable and affordable housing solutions must be rooted in local contexts, supported by innovation, and shared across national borders.
“Sustainable housing must be anchored in African realities. Innovation should not remain isolated; it must be scaled, adapted, and shared across the continent,” Dr. Senesie emphasized.
Dr. Senesie also called on Shelter Afrique to expand its role beyond financing, encouraging the institution to serve as a coordinator and facilitator across member states. He proposed that the organization conduct comprehensive country assessments, promote knowledge exchange, and support the transfer of proven housing solutions between nations.
The Minister’s remarks received strong support from fellow delegates and were further amplified during a featured interview on Algeria’s state television, where he reiterated his vision for African-led housing strategies and a united drive toward sustainable urban development.
Dr. Senesie’s advocacy at the Shelter Afrique AGM highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to playing an active role in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and innovative housing policies across Africa. His message echoed a growing continental consensus: Africa’s housing future must be built by Africans, for Africans.