Nigeria Leads Africa in Homeless Population With 4.5 Million People

Nigeria has been ranked as the African country with the highest estimated homeless population, with about 4.5 million people classified as homeless in 2025, according to data from the World Population Review cited by Daily Trust.

The figure places Nigeria ahead of other African countries facing significant homelessness challenges, including Uganda and Sudan. Uganda is estimated to have about four million homeless people, while Sudan has approximately three million.

The figures highlight the scale of Nigeria’s housing challenges as rapid urbanisation, rising rents and population movement continue to place pressure on available accommodation.

Major cities, including Lagos, Abuja and Kano, are among the urban centres affected by the shortage of affordable housing, with growing numbers of people struggling to secure accommodation within their means.

The situation also raises concerns about the conditions under which people without stable shelter are forced to live.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with homelessness and the lack of stable accommodation exposing some to street life and hazardous forms of work. UNICEF has highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable children who lack adequate shelter and protection.

Nigeria’s position in the ranking comes against the background of a broader housing crisis across Africa. Rapid population growth and urbanisation have increased demand for housing, while the supply of affordable and adequate accommodation has struggled to keep pace.

The pressure is particularly pronounced in major cities, where high rents and limited access to affordable homes have made housing increasingly difficult for low-income households.

The data also comes amid continuing concerns about Nigeria’s housing deficit and the cost of providing new homes.

The World Population Review’s homelessness figures have varied by data year and methodology. Its current country table, for example, lists Nigeria’s larger 24.4 million estimate against a 2020 data year, underscoring the importance of considering the underlying year and definition when comparing homelessness figures internationally.

A separate United Nations report has also cited an estimate of more than 24.4 million homeless people in Nigeria, while noting that Africa faces a wider housing crisis driven by rapid urbanisation and the growth of informal settlements.

The housing situation is further complicated by the cost of construction, land acquisition, infrastructure and property registration, all of which can affect the pace at which new housing is supplied.

Addressing homelessness therefore requires not only increasing the number of homes available but also ensuring that new housing is affordable and accessible to households that need it most.

With Nigeria’s population continuing to grow and urban centres attracting people in search of jobs and better opportunities, the demand for affordable housing is expected to remain a major challenge for policymakers, developers and communities.

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The UK government has unveiled a £442 million housing support package aimed at helping people sleeping rough move off the streets before Christmas, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham steps up efforts to tackle the country’s homelessness crisis.

The programme will provide emergency accommodation and longer-term housing support across England, with areas experiencing the highest levels of homelessness and housing pressure expected to receive the largest share of the funding.

Burnham said no one should have to sleep in doorways or outside railway stations, arguing that the scale of rough sleeping should not be accepted as normal in one of the world’s largest economies.

The announcement comes amid a significant increase in rough sleeping across England.

Government figures show that 4,793 people were sleeping rough in England in 2025, the highest figure recorded.

However, rough sleepers represent only a fraction of the country’s wider homeless population.

Housing charity Shelter estimated that about 382,000 people were homeless in England in 2025. This broader figure includes people living in temporary accommodation, families and children without permanent housing, and people without secure tenure.

The figures highlight the difference between rough sleeping and the wider housing crisis.

While getting people off the streets is an immediate priority, the larger challenge involves providing enough affordable and secure housing to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

The £442 million programme will not be limited to emergency accommodation.

The government said the funding will also support the creation of more than 1,000 permanent homes over the next three years.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the government was acting urgently to help people leave the streets, move into secure homes and access the support required to rebuild their lives.

The approach reflects an important principle in homelessness policy. Emergency accommodation can provide immediate protection, but permanent housing is needed to create long-term stability.

Burnham pointed to the UK’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that government can move people sleeping rough into accommodation quickly when there is sufficient political will.

He argued that a similar effort could be mounted again to address the current crisis.

The government also plans to hold its first national summit dedicated specifically to tackling rough sleeping later this year.

Local leaders, including mayors, will be expected to play a major role in implementing the programme before Christmas.

Although the government has allocated £442 million, Burnham acknowledged that the funding may not be enough to completely achieve the target.

He has therefore called on wider society, including faith organisations and community groups, to contribute to the effort.

The programme is expected to be funded from the existing housing ministry budget rather than through a newly announced funding source.

This has already attracted criticism from opposition parties, with Conservative housing spokesman James Cleverly questioning how the government intends to deliver and finance the commitment.

Homelessness charities broadly welcomed the announcement, particularly the commitment to combine emergency accommodation with longer-term housing.

However, concerns remain over whether the programme will address the structural causes of homelessness.

Housing affordability, limited housing supply, insecure tenancies, rising rents and pressure on local authorities can all contribute to people losing stable accommodation.

Without addressing those underlying factors, emergency interventions risk treating the symptoms rather than the cause.

The UK’s homelessness figures demonstrate that housing crises are not limited to developing economies.

Even countries with large economies can struggle when housing supply, affordability and household incomes fall out of balance.

For policymakers, the challenge is therefore twofold. Governments must respond quickly to people already experiencing homelessness while also increasing the supply of affordable and secure homes.

The UK’s latest programme attempts to do both by combining immediate accommodation with funding for permanent housing.

Its success, however, will ultimately depend on whether those leaving the streets can move into stable, affordable homes rather than simply temporary accommodation.

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The project, part of the state’s wider urban renewal agenda, aims to provide affordable and decent accommodation for civil servants and low-income residents.

Governor Aliyu, speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, said the estate would feature 300 three-bedroom flats and 200 four-bedroom flats, all to be sold on an owner-occupier basis to ensure long-term affordability.

“When we assumed office, Sokoto had no government-owned housing. This project is a direct response to that gap and reaffirms our administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for our people,” the governor said.

The estate is strategically sited near Sokoto’s New City and will be developed in collaboration with Teamwork Construction Company Nigeria Limited. It is expected to be completed within 12 months.

In addition to this new project, Governor Aliyu highlighted other efforts by his administration to expand housing access. He announced the completion of 500 units at Gidan Salanke—a project initiated by former Governor Aliyu Wamakko—and the recent acquisition of 130 housing units at Kwannawa from the Federal Ministry of Housing.

“This foundation goes beyond physical infrastructure; it represents a long-term investment in the wellbeing of our citizens,” the governor stated, urging contractors to maintain strict quality standards and adhere to the completion timeline.

National Praise for Development Drive

The event drew praise from Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who described the housing initiative as “historic” and a model for other states. He commended Governor Aliyu’s people-centered leadership and commitment to inclusive development.

Governor Ododo also acknowledged the contributions of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for his role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

“This project is not just about buildings; it’s about building futures,” Ododo remarked.

Reshaping Sokoto’s Urban Future

The housing estate is a key part of Sokoto State’s broader strategy to address urban infrastructure gaps and create livable communities. The initiative aligns with national efforts to close Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 17 million units.

With this development, Sokoto joins a growing list of states investing in long-term housing solutions that prioritize dignity, affordability, and inclusive growth.

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Angola is turning to a bold solution to fix its growing housing crisis. A local startup, Power2Build, is using 3D concrete printing to build homes faster, cheaper, and with less labor than traditional methods.

The country has faced a serious housing shortage for years. Back in 2008, Angola launched an ambitious urban housing program. The goal was to build one million homes. But by 2024, only about 220,000 had been delivered.

A Homegrown Startup with Global Tech

Power2Build believes it can help close that gap. The team, made up entirely of Angolan professionals, has partnered with Danish company COBOD. Together, they are bringing some of the world’s largest 3D construction printers to local job sites.

How the 3D Printing Process Works

Instead of using bricks and mortar, these printers build homes layer by layer. First, the building is designed digitally. That design is then sliced into thin layers, which are printed one at a time. Some walls include internal patterns, like honeycomb shapes, to make them stronger.

Another method called tangential continuity helps layers stick better. This creates smoother, more durable walls without weak spots.

Locally Sourced Concrete for Custom Builds

To print the walls, Power2Build uses a special concrete mix. It includes local materials like sand and gravel. They also add cement, hardeners, and flow-control additives. This mix is pumped through a large nozzle that moves automatically along a programmed path.

Precision Printing with Powerful Machines

Depending on the setup, the nozzle is guided by a gantry system or a robotic arm. The gantry moves the nozzle in straight lines across three directions. Robotic arms give more flexibility, allowing for complex shapes and designs.

This system cuts down on manual labor. There’s less need for bricklayers, but more demand for skilled operators and planners.

Massive Machines Reshape Housing

The equipment is also impressive. Power2Build is using COBOD’s BOD2 series—currently the second-largest 3D construction printer in the world. These machines can build homes up to 10 meters tall, 15 meters wide, and 45 meters long. They work at speeds of up to 500 millimeters per second. Setup time takes just a few hours.

An even newer model, the BOD3, offers even more flexibility. It can print up to 15 meters high and allows for faster setup and breakdown.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable and Affordable Living

The team is not stopping there. Power2Build is already exploring new materials like clay and soil-cement blends. These could make 3D-printed housing more affordable for low-income families.

A Global Shift in Housing Solutions

Around the world, cities are also looking for creative ways to fight the housing crisis. Los Angeles is turning empty buildings into apartments. Spain is testing new housing models focused on community living. In Germany, residents are even helping design their own homes from the start.

In Angola, the answer might come from machines—not bricks. With every layer printed, Power2Build is building more than just walls. They’re building a new future for housing in Africa.

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