Zambia Pledges Bold Action on Housing Crisis at UN-Habitat Assembly
Zambia has reiterated its resolve to close the national housing gap and push forward sustainable urban development, as affirmed by Hon. Eng. Charles L. Milupi, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, at the Resumed Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27 to 30 May 2025.
Speaking at the close of the Assembly, Eng. Milupi acknowledged Zambia’s housing deficit of approximately 1.5 million units—warning that, if unaddressed, the figure could reach 3 million by 2031 due to rapid urbanization.
“To address that deficit requires resources,” he stated. “Zambia, through its internally generated funds, cannot meet this challenge alone. We are engaging the international community and learning from global best practices to find solutions.”
Citing global statistics, Eng. Milupi noted that over 2.8 billion people worldwide lack adequate housing, placing Zambia’s own challenges within a broader global context.
He emphasized Zambia’s commitment to the upcoming UN-Habitat Strategic Plan (2026–2029), particularly in addressing informal settlements and ensuring resource availability.
Highlighting active projects, he revealed Zambia’s collaboration with Namibia’s Ongos Valley in constructing housing estates in Lusaka’s Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ).
He also emphasized the importance of innovative financing models, such as housing bonds, to fund affordable housing developments.
“We’re also focusing on transforming urban slums into high-value residential areas—without displacing the existing populations,” he added.
