The Promise of Youth in Urban Development

With 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the continent’s youth are not only the future but the present architects of urban solutions. As our cities grow, they face immense challenges—ranging from inadequate housing and limited job opportunities to the mounting impacts of climate change and insecure land tenure. Yet, amid these challenges lies a wellspring of potential. Youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are agents of change today.

In my work with Habitat for Humanity, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing youth contributions to urban landscapes firsthand. In Malawi, for example, our programs empower young people through skills training in eco-friendly building techniques. Partnering with local governments, we involve youth in constructing climate-resilient homes, training them to make alternative energy sources like briquettes, and engaging them in tree-planting initiatives under the Home Equals Campaign .

Through training and advocacy platforms, we actively involve young people in volunteer programs that make a tangible difference in their communities.

In Ha-Ramabanta, Lesotho, our Youth Build program provides young volunteers with hands-on experience in constructing homes using sustainable techniques. This builds their confidence and empowers them to advocate for sustainable urban policies in their communities. In Kenya, our collaboration with local authorities has integrated housing initiatives into the national policy framework, advancing the Kenyan government’s commitment to affordable housing under its National Housing Policy.

In Uganda, Habitat for Humanity’s projects have engaged vulnerable communities, including youth, in providing sustainable water and sanitation solutions. By partnering with Uganda’s National Water and Sewerage Corporation, we’ve extended low-cost, clean water access to informal settlements in Kampala.

Additionally, our Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter in Kenya focuses on developing the local housing ecosystem, particularly through youth participation. By promoting alternative building technologies, such as interlocking stabilized soil blocks (ISSBs), we’re reducing construction costs and carbon emissions while equipping young artisans with skills that foster both innovation and sustainability in urban housing development.

Habitat for Humanity recognizes that youth are pivotal in addressing housing challenges and driving sustainable urban growth. By working closely with local governments, communities, and young leaders, we are shaping cities where young people are not just beneficiaries but active architects of change.

These projects not only provide essential shelter but also equip youth with valuable vocational skills, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063  and the New Urban Agenda , both of which emphasize sustainable development and inclusive urbanization.

Advocacy and Innovation: Empowering Youth Through Housing Solutions

Through our advocacy efforts, we have cultivated partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies to implement housing related policies while engaging youths, young women and low-income earners.

The African Union’s Youth Engagement Strategy, for instance, mirrors our belief that including young people in urban development is essential for resilient cities. This initiative promotes youth involvement in policymaking, particularly in areas related to urban planning, governance, and climate action. Earlier this year, at the AU ECOSOCC meeting, I had the honor of leading a session focused on building resilient communities. Youth participation was a central theme, with discussions on peace, security, climate change, and land governance. During this session, I emphasized, “True resilience is achieved when we empower communities to participate actively in decision-making processes. The voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups must be heard at every stage.”

 Youth Advocacy Through Creativity

Advocacy today goes beyond traditional platforms. Across Africa, young people use music, art, and social media to champion causes like land rights, climate resilience, and urban governance. For instance, during COP28 in Dubai, youth leaders used songs to amplify messages on climate action and land governance among other issues across the 17 SDGs.

During a visit to Habitat for Humanity Zambia, I interacted with youth who use the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) to engage local government officials on land tenure security. One young woman remarked, “The skills and advocacy training provided by Habitat Zambia have equipped me to lead conversations on secure housing in my community. I have successfully encouraged more than 20 youth to participate in PASSA activities. They now know how to engage with local government officials on land tenure security.”

A Collective Call to Action

While the potential for youth-led urban development is vast, significant challenges remain. Limited access to education and employment opportunities often excludes young people from decision-making processes. However, despite these barriers, they continue to find creative ways to engage, using their talents to influence urban governance and climate policies.

The future of Africa’s cities rests in the hands of its youth. Together, we must ensure they have the resources, platforms, and opportunities to succeed. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Today’s youth have the passion, energy, and ability to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities.

This Urban October, let us commit to empowering youth to lead the way toward a brighter urban future.

By Grace Ananda, Policy and Advocacy Manager- Africa Area Office.

Ann’s story is changing. Through Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s Orphans and Vulnerable Group Housing Program, her family was selected for a new home—a solid, safe structure that will provide the stability they have long needed.

This build was made even more special by a team of dedicated volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Ireland who worked alongside Ann and the local community to help the family realize their dream of a new home. Together, they built not only a house but a foundation for a better life.

As Rob, one of the volunteers, put it: “It’s really nice to build alongside the family. Everyone is all smiles and happy as we strive together to deliver a safe and stable home. Everyone deserves a place to call home.”

For Ann, this new home symbolizes a brighter future. “I am really grateful for the support of Habitat for Humanity,” she says. “Now my kids will grow up without the fear of being rained on or feeling cold at night. I extend my deepest gratitude to the team, and may God bless you.”

This house is not just a place to live but a fresh start, and a haven where Ann’s family can finally find peace, comfort, and hope for the future.

Decades later, the camp remains home to thousands of people. The land, owned by the Jordanian government and leased to UNRWA, allows residents the right to live there—but without the security of ownership. This fragile legal status further complicates the already difficult lives of the camp’s residents.

The prolonged situation, combined with exponential population growth and limited resources, has strained the camp’s infrastructure far beyond its intended capacity. The 2023 census indicated that Marka Camp now hosts more than 68,000 residents in an area of around 917 square meters, equating to only about 0.0135 square meters per person.

The limited land space has forced residents to build upwards, adding makeshift floors to their homes in a desperate attempt to create more space. This has resulted in a maze of narrow alleys and towering structures, so densely packed that even cars struggle to navigate the camp. These vertically expanding homes still operate on the original water and electricity systems, designed only for the initial single-story buildings. The increased demand from multiple floors strains these outdated systems, creating significant fire hazards. Additionally, the water supply is insufficient for the growing population, leading many families to experience frequent water shortages, further compounding their daily struggles.

The lack of space has also led to poor ventilation. Homes are crowded together, separated by thin walls, which trap heat, moisture, and air pollution, creating unhealthy living conditions that impact the residents’ health.

Among the camp’s residents, Gazan refugees face particularly harsh challenges. Unlike many Palestinian refugees in Jordan who have been granted citizenship, Gazans live in a legal limbo. They cannot own property, legally register businesses, or work in many professions. These restrictions severely limit their potential to build stable, secure lives, making it even harder for them to find a way out of the difficult conditions in the camp.

The living conditions in Marka Camp are dire. Many homes lack proper roofs, relying instead on old, deteriorated materials that do little to protect against the elements. During winter, heavy rains flood these homes, turning them into uninhabitable spaces.

Nour, a mother of eight, knows this struggle all too well. Her small, two-bedroom home becomes a flooded ruin every winter, forcing her family to move in with her mother-in-law. The constant dampness has led to rampant mold growth, leaving her children frequently sick and unable to attend school. The mold and poor ventilation in her home are constant reminders of the inadequate conditions that plague so many in the camp.

Then there’s Um Abdelrahman, the camp’s beloved matchmaker. Known for connecting bachelors and bachelorettes in the community, she is a lifeline for many seeking companionship. Yet, her own home is in desperate need of repair. The ceiling of her bathroom, burdened with the weight of a water tank, is on the brink of collapse. She has tried to prevent disaster with handmade wooden supports, but the situation remains critical. Mold infests the bathroom, and the door doesn’t even lock properly, robbing her of privacy and safety.

During a visit by the Habitat for Humanity team, Um Abdelrahman shared her concerns about the challenges faced by Gazans, especially young men. Aside from the everyday obstacles they face, they are also seen as undesirable bachelors because of their lack of citizenship privileges in Jordan. She said that even women from Gaza hesitate to marry within their community, knowing that marrying a Jordanian national offers a path to a better future for their children—a path that Gazan men cannot provide. This stigma adds another burden to the already heavy load carried by Gazan refugees, preventing them from living a normal life.

The team at Habitat for Humanity Jordan is actively conducting field visits in Marka Camp to assess the current conditions of homes and determine the most urgent needs. These assessments are critical to ensuring that the renovations bring the homes up to decent housing standards. The scope of the renovations will vary depending on each home’s condition, addressing issues such as mold remediation, installation of new windows and doors, roofing repairs, upgrades to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, and pipe fittings, to name a few.

Beyond the physical renovations, the Home Equals project is deeply committed to engaging with the community. Town hall meetings will be held to gather input from residents, allowing them to voice their concerns and highlight their most pressing needs. These meetings are crucial in ensuring that interventions are not just top-down decisions but are truly reflective of the community’s priorities.

Based on the recommendations and needs identified in these meetings, Habitat for Humanity will tailor its interventions to ensure they serve the community effectively.

In addition to these renovation efforts, the project is also advocating for critical policy changes regarding buildings and homes for camp residents. By pushing for legal recognition, residence rights, and more climate resilience, the project aims to provide these families with security and stability.

Marka Camp stands as a testament to the resilience of Palestinian refugees, particularly those from Gaza. Overcrowded and crumbling, the camp embodies the struggles of a community that has been marginalized and neglected. The Home Equals project aims to improve the living conditions for those who have endured unimaginable hardship for far too long, helping them realize a future where they can dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Two weeks after the Ukrainian invasion began, Strazsa Tanya started welcoming handicapped refugee families. The ranch’s mission quickly expanded to include those facing a range of cumulative disadvantages—children without parents, single mothers, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and those who are illiterate. The center provided these refugees with essential in-kind donations and carried out much-needed renovations to create a safe and welcoming environment for them. Through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Strazsa Tanya has been able to help more than 200 Ukrainian refugees rebuild their lives in Hungary.

The philosophy is rooted in their belief that vulnerable groups can only recover and rebuild their lives in a nurturing and supportive environment. The ranch provides safe shelter and a comprehensive support system, including ongoing care even after families move on from the ranch. This approach ensures that these families not only survive but thrive as they transition to independence.

“We start by offering accommodation at the ranch, followed by ongoing support at our community center, Fészek (Nest),” explains Bea Nemetne Horvat, CEO of Strazsa Tanya. “As families regain their strength, they transition to the next phase of their journey—whether that’s finding a job or accessing specialized education for their children. Even after they leave the ranch, we continue to support them. Habitat for Humanity has been instrumental in this process, helping us furnish homes and provide necessary household items for families as they move into their new lives.”

The journey to expand Strazsa Tanya’s reach has been challenging, but in 2023, they reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Fészek (Nest) community center. The Nest was created to provide a safe and nurturing space where disadvantaged refugees could recover, develop, and prepare for the next steps in their lives. It also serves as a hub for collaboration with other NGOs.

Despite delays caused by high winter bills, the Nest is now a thriving center where children can study, play, and grow while their parents work. The daycare and educational programs offered at the Nest have been life-changing for many families, enabling parents to secure employment and providing children with the support they need to thrive.

The Nest has also become a source of employment for residents. “Our community has evolved,” Bea says. “We now have more elderly residents, and some of them have found joy in creating beautiful handicrafts at the center, which we help market. Two Ukrainian women have also taken on part-time administrative roles.”

However, the greatest impact has been on the children. Each afternoon and weekend, special education teachers engage them in activities that promote learning and development. The beloved Miss Judit helps the children with their homework and ensures they have a safe and supportive environment until their parents can pick them up.

During the summer holidays, the Nest organizes camps for the children, providing them with a space to learn, play, and explore. This support has allowed many refugee children to get closer to their dreams.

“For instance, Erik, a kindergarten student, rests at the Nest while his sisters, Amira and Jazmin, do their homework. Their oldest sister, Kamilla, has made significant progress since joining us, and she was recently accepted into her dream high school. She aspires to work in National Defense,” Bea shared proudly.

This family recently transitioned from the ranch to a rented apartment, marking the beginning of their new, independent life. Both parents found jobs, and the children are thriving in school as they settle into their new home and rebuild their lives.

Habitat for Humanity’s “Driving Green Growth in the Construction Sector” project, funded by the Dutch government through the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), is a three-year project (2021-2024) that aims to create, match, and improve over 900 green jobs for young people in the housing and construction sector. Notably, 34% of the jobs will be allocated to women.

The project aims to increase the demand, supply, and use of green housing products and services and increase the meaningful participation of women and young people in the construction sector. To achieve these objectives, TCIS has partnered with  Gjenge Makers, Mycotile, and The Toolkit iSkills to mobilize young men and women to receive training on renewable energy technology skills and collecting, packing, and processing agricultural and plastic wastes.

The impact of this project is already being felt:

• 760 youth and women reached, with 206 women securing decent jobs with wages above Kenya’s minimum of KES 15,201 (US$120) per month —marking a significant step towards gender equality in the sector.
• Over 750 youth trained in soft and employability skills.
• 252 youth certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), National Construction Authority (NCA), and Dig In Vision International on welding and solar installation skills.
• 280 youth trained in collecting, sorting, and packaging plastic and agricultural wastes for reuse into sustainable construction materials.
• Over 500 youth trained in renewable energy technical skills (welding, solar technology, plumbing, and electrical wiring).

To ensure sustainability, project partners are also receiving support in implementing safeguarding measures; developing and implementing business plans; and developing and implementing gender, women, and youth guidelines and procedures to enhance the engagement of youth and women in the construction sector.

“Empowering youth and women in the construction sector is not just about building structures; it’s about building a sustainable future,” says Joshua Kangogo, Project Coordinator at TCIS.

“By driving green growth, we are laying the foundation for inclusive innovation that will shape tomorrow’s world, one that thrives on diversity and environmental protection.”

As we celebrated International Youth Day earlier this month, it is crucial to recognize that every solution, however small, plays a vital role in addressing the unemployment crisis.

The next 20 years will be critical for the construction industry as emerging economies invest in infrastructure to meet growing housing demand. To meet this challenge, laborers will need to be (up) skilled, enabling them to take on the growing housing demand and lead in driving green growth.