Morocco showcases housing model as Africa’s urban demand rises

Morocco presented its housing assistance programme at the Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Morocco’s state media agency MAP reported on 14 April, outlining its approach to expanding access to affordable housing across the continent.

The programme was outlined as part of a financing model designed to support low- and middle-income households through direct financial assistance and improved access to credit.

At the centre of the model are state-backed subsidies granted directly to buyers, replacing earlier approaches focused on tax incentives for developers. The programme provides fixed financial support to eligible households purchasing homes, with higher amounts allocated in rural areas or for lower-income groups.

Since its launch, it has reached more than 68,000 beneficiaries as of October 2025, with 46% of recipients being womenand the majority under 40.

The Moroccan delegation said the approach is intended to simplify access to housing by reducing upfront costs and enabling more people to secure mortgage financing. It added that the model also encourages private sector participation by maintaining demand while shifting public support toward end-users rather than developers.

It said Morocco’s experience could offer a practical framework for other African countries facing housing shortages and rapid urbanisation, pointing to the programme as part of broader efforts to address affordability challenges and improve living conditions.

Policymakers and housing sector stakeholders gathered at the forum to examine financing solutions to expand access to housing across Africa, as rapid urbanisation puts pressure on supply.

The forum, led by the African Union, brings together governments, development partners and private sector actors to coordinate policy on urbanisation and housing, with a focus on expanding access to affordable homes.

Moroccan officials have previously described access to “decent housing” as a national priority under King Mohammed VI, according to state media.

The presentation forms part of Morocco’s broader engagement in regional development, with authorities presenting the programme as a model for addressing housing needs in similar contexts across Africa.

Al Omrane, a state-owned group responsible for implementing housing and urban development projects in Morocco, had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

Maghreb Arab Press, Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies, African Urban Forum, Maghrebi.org