FHFL SHOWCASES NIGERIA’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING MODEL AT WUF13, SECURES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION

June 02, 2026

Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) participated in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17–22 May 2026. Representing the organisation were Ahmed Baba, Technical Assistant to the MD/CEO, and Zinatu Malumfashi, Lead, Sustainability & Impact.

FHFL’s participation at WUF13 extended far beyond attendance. The organisation contributed thought leadership, showcased a proven and replicable affordable housing finance model, and engaged with key global stakeholders on issues critical to advancing Nigeria’s housing agenda. The forum provided a unique platform to engage with UN agencies, multilateral development banks, institutional investors, housing finance institutions, development partners, and government representatives from across the world.

Four strategic objectives guided FHFL's participation at WUF13:   

1. Visibility and positioning: Establish FHFL as Nigeria's and one of Africa's leading affordable housing finance institutions on a global platform, demonstrating the depth and replicability of FHFL's blended finance model.
2. Relationship-building: Deepen existing relationships and initiate new partnerships with multilateral institutions, DFIs, institutional investors, and peer organisations working on affordable housing across the Global South.
3. Knowledge exchange: Contribute FHFL's experience to global conversations on housing finance, while absorbing best practices and innovations from peer institutions and markets that can inform FHFL's programme design.
4. Strategic advancement: Generate concrete leads, partnership agreements, and next-step commitments that advance FHFL's institutional priorities, particularly the social housing fund, data and M&E capability, and continental engagement.

A major highlight of the forum was the active participation of Ahmed Baba as a panellist in three high-level sessions during the final two days of WUF13. Across these engagements, he articulated FHFL’s systems-based approach to affordable housing finance, demonstrating how sustainable housing delivery requires coordinated financing solutions across the entire housing value chain, from land acquisition and planning to infrastructure, construction, mortgage finance, and social services.

Ahmed’s central argument—that affordable housing challenges stem not from a lack of capital but from fragmentation within the financing ecosystem—resonated strongly with participants and generated significant interest among housing practitioners and policymakers. His presentation underscored the need for targeted financial instruments and strategic partnerships at every stage of housing delivery, positioning FHFL’s blended finance model as a practical and scalable solution for emerging economies.

The value of FHFL’s contribution was acknowledged by session organisers, including the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance and the Coalition of Builders, who described the organisation’s perspective as one of the most practical and actionable contributions during the discussions. Both organisations expressed interest in incorporating elements of FHFL’s approach into future advocacy and knowledge-sharing initiatives ahead of WUF14.

The outcomes of WUF13 have created significant opportunities for FHFL to strengthen its institutional influence, expand strategic partnerships, and accelerate key programmes. The recommendations arising from this engagement, including advancing the Social Housing Fund, developing a documentary to showcase FHFL’s impact, strengthening FHFL’s positioning at the Shelter Afrique AGM, and leveraging opportunities through the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) platform in Lusaka, represent practical next steps for translating the momentum generated at WUF13 into measurable institutional gains.

These initiatives are not merely aspirational additions to FHFL’s work programme; they are strategic actions designed to convert international recognition, partnerships, and knowledge gained at WUF13 into sustainable progress for the organisation and the millions of Nigerians who stand to benefit from improved access to affordable housing.