Shelter Afrique conference starts tomorrow

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will headline the high-level 41st Shelter Afrique annual general meeting and symposium which starts here tomorrow with delegates, including 25 Africa ministers responsible for housing, expected to arrive today.

The President will officiate at the official opening session tomorrow, setting the pace for a week-long meeting to deliberate on housing issues and address looming challenges to the built environment occasioned by climate change.

The theme for the conference is: “Climate Change and the Built Environment.”

National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe, who is already in Victoria Falls to finalise preparations and welcome his counterparts and delegates, said preparations were going well.

“In terms of the preparations for the forthcoming 41st AGM and symposium for Shelter Afrique, we are at a very advanced stage,” he said.

“Accommodation has been sought for all delegates, transport for VIPs and VVIPs is now in place and the translation and interpretation systems are in place.

“In terms of attendance, as at yesterday we had 25 member countries who had confirmed attendance at ministerial level.”

He said at least three governors of reserve banks, including Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya are expected to attend.

Zimbabwe, a Shelter Afrique shareholder, a pan-African banking institution that exclusively supports the development of affordable housing and real estate sector growth in Africa, expects to host delegates from more than 40 African countries.

“The programme starts on Monday (tomorrow) with an official opening. We invited His Excellency to come and officially open the symposium, so it means it will be His Excellency or any of his assignees officiating but it’s perched at that Presidium level,” said Minister Garwe.

Delegates from major international financiers, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank are expected to attend.

According to the programme, African Finance Ministers will have a round-table that will be attended by central bank governors.

There will also be a round-table for ministers in charge of housing and plenary sessions to discuss a cross section of issues relating to housing.

Thursday is dedicated for the AGM.