The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $8.2m equity investment in Shelter Afrique, a development finance institution, which invests in affordable housing for Africa. 

In addition, the Bank has arranged a loan of $20m to the company to consolidate the position of the housing specialist for 2017 and beyond.

Shelter Afrique is owned by 44 African countries, together with the AfDB and African Reinsurance Corporation as shareholders. 

Gabriel Negatu, Director General at AfDB’s East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, said: “These new resources show that the African Development Bank is fully committed to the growth and development of Shelter Afrique, which plays a vital and unique role in the development of affordable housing across Africa. Affordable housing is a key issue at the heart of the High 5 priorities for our Bank, namely ‘Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.”

“At the same time, the African Development Bank takes issues of governance seriously. With the strong measures taken by Shelter Afrique to improve its governance and the support of its shareholders, the company can move to the next stage of its development,” he said. 

The AfDB participated in Shelter Afrique’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) which was held on January 31, 2017 in Nairobi. 

At the EGM, shareholders present unanimously resolved to pay up their share capital commitments of approximately $116m as soon as possible or to face temporary suspension from membership if not done by the end of 2017. 

With additional equity support, Shelter Afrique will be in a stronger position to finance an increasing number of projects whether directly or indirectly.

Shelter Afrique has recently been the subject of press speculation of overstated asset quality and substandard management operations. 

Following those allegations, the Board of Directors of Shelter Afrique took immediate steps and appointed a reputable firm to conduct an independent forensic audit. 

That investigation concluded on January 2, 2017 and recommended improvements in policy and processes which will be implemented by Shelter Afrique.

The DFI has announced that it will fundamentally improve its governance structure. Several interim executive managers are being contracted by Shelter Afrique’s Board to improve financial management and governance. 

The Board of Shelter Afrique will also take appropriate disciplinary actions to address the irregularities and shortcomings identified in the forensic audit report.

The shareholders also agreed to expand the shareholder base to include African and non-African impact investors this year and take Shelter Afrique to the next stage of its development. 

The African Development Bank intends to work with Shelter Afrique’s management and Board to support the company with technical and business development assistance throughout 2017.