Why Nigeria leads African countries where homelessness is highest

Around 24.4 million Nigerians lack a place to call home. Egypt follows with an estimated 12 million homeless people.

Homelessness is a global issue, Africa included. While some regions face displacement due to conflicts, in Nigeria, urbanization and rapid population growth in places like Lagos lead to a shortage of affordable housing. In Lagos, over 80 percent of its 22 million residents rent their homes.

Various factors contribute to homelessness in Nigeria, including high costs of living, unstable exchange rates, complex property registration processes, and limited infrastructure. The country needs about 700,000 new housing units annually for 20 years to meet demand, but only about 50,000 are built each year.

In Egypt, rapid population growth and rural-to-urban migration strain housing resources, with over 1,200 areas hosting irregular dwellings for the homeless, a population of 12 million people in need of stable housing.

Addressing homelessness requires multifaceted solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by each country. In Nigeria, the pressing need for affordable housing underscores the urgency for government intervention, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban planning.

 By prioritizing housing initiatives and implementing supportive policies, these nations can work towards alleviating the plight of millions without secure shelter, fostering inclusive growth, and enhancing the well-being of their citizens.

Amidst all this, Krent, a pioneering real estate platform, stands ready to facilitate access to affordable housing, bridging the gap between supply and demand. Together, we can build communities where everyone has a place to call home.