Algiers, Algeria – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a groundbreaking Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF) Framework Agreement, setting the stage for transformative investments worth at least US$1 billion across Africa’s housing, urban development, and trade sectors.
The landmark agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) by Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and CEO of ShafDB, and Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank.
The JPPF is designed to finance early-stage project preparation, ensuring that projects move swiftly from concept to bankability. Priority sectors include housing, healthcare, hospitality, construction, manufacturing of building materials, industrial and commercial infrastructure, and logistical platforms such as special economic zones and industrial parks.
Beyond financing, the facility will deliver a comprehensive capacity-building programme, equipping ShafDB staff with the technical expertise needed to develop sustainable, bankable projects for the long term.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to accelerate sustainable urban development across Africa. By combining ShafDB’s expertise in housing and Afreximbank’s extensive experience in project preparation, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and deliver transformative projects,” said Ms. Doherty. “The JPPF will catalyze private sector investment, establish new economic hubs, and strengthen Africa’s capacity for trade and tradeable services.”
Mr. Hann emphasized that the partnership directly addresses structural barriers in the housing and infrastructure space:
“Our sector faces two major challenges — insufficient project preparation and lack of reliable data. At ShafDB, we tackled the latter through our VIRAL model, a data-driven framework supporting evidence-based decision-making. Today, through this JPPF with Afreximbank, we are proud to address the project preparation gap. This partnership will unlock over US$1 billion in investments, helping us build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities across Africa.”
Both Afreximbank and ShafDB are founding members of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), reinforcing their shared commitment to innovative collaboration in Africa’s economic development.
The signing came against the backdrop of IATF2025, which concluded on September 10, and is projected to have facilitated trade and investment deals exceeding US$44 billion, cementing its role as Africa’s premier trade and investment platform.
About The Author
