NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24 – Habitat for Humanity is seeking to tackle Africa’s deepening housing crisis through its global Let’s Open the Door campaign, targeting more than 60 countries with programs to expand access to safe and affordable homes.
The initiative comes amid a growing shortage of decent housing across the continent, where an estimated 62% of urban dwellings are informal.
Millions of families face heightened exposure to climate shocks, overcrowding, and economic instability, while mortgage access and infrastructure development lag behind rapidly expanding cities.
“Housing has been the core of Habitat’s work for 50 years. As a leader in global housing, Habitat for Humanity understands the keys that will unlock our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Jonathan Reckford, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity International.
“With the support of our partners, the Let’s Open the Door campaign will create awareness of the need to increase better access to affordable and sustainable housing, and everyone can play a part. Whether by lending your voice, your time or your talents, you can help advance housing access, affordability and sustainable solutions, and help open the doors to homeownership for more families around the world.”
The campaign combines community builds, pop-up installations, and digital storytelling to drive action across Africa.
“We are inviting the world to be part of something bigger,” said Mathabo Makuta, Africa Senior Director for Programs at Habitat for Humanity.
In Kenya, where the housing deficit ranks among the largest in Africa, Habitat for Humanity aims to scale community-driven solutions.
“As Habitat marks 50 years globally and more than four decades in Kenya, we know that the next 50 years must be defined by bold action. Kenya’s housing deficit remains one of the deepest in Africa, but we also have some of the most innovative and community-driven solutions. Let’s Open the Door is our commitment to scaling those solutions together,” said Eileen Mokaya, National Director for Habitat for Humanity Kenya.
The campaign highlights the link between access to adequate housing and improvements in health, education, and economic stability.
