Learn how housing finance can transform African cities. This free online course explores affordable housing challenges and innovative market solutions.
Course description
Curated by the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF), Johannesburg, in partnership with the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), The Urban Real Estate Research Unit (URERU), University of Cape Town, RSA, and the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), this course is supported and hosted by African Cities Lab at EPFL, Switzerland.
Housing finance in Africa matters. The lack of adequate and affordable housing affects livelihoods, economic growth, and urban development. This course dives deep into affordable housing finance, covering topics such as housing demand and affordability, supply networks, financing methods for construction and maintenance, and innovative financial instruments to expand access to housing across African cities. Participants will gain insights from experts and practitioners working on groundbreaking housing finance approaches, supported by interactive content, case studies, and discussion forums drawn from real urban contexts.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for housing professionals, including developers, lenders, small-scale organisations, micro-builders, bankers, and practitioners across Africa. It is ideal for those seeking to improve housing outcomes, shape future urban landscapes, and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous Africa.
What will you achieve?
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the role of housing finance in African urban economies
- Analyse housing demand, affordability, and supply networks
- Examine financing methods for construction, maintenance, and transactions
- Explore innovative financial instruments and strategies to expand housing access
- Apply knowledge to improve housing outcomes and urban development in African cities
How to join this course
The course is available on the African Cities Lab Open edX platform. Registration is free, and you will need to create an account to participate. Enrol today to start building your expertise in affordable housing finance.