Watumishi Housing Investments (WHI) Wins ‘Most Affordable Housing Construction Lender of the Year’ at African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) Awards

Watumishi Housing Investments (WHI) has been recognized as the “Most Affordable Housing
Construction Lender of the Year” at the prestigious 2024 African Union for Housing Finance
(AUHF) Awards. The award ceremony took place during the AUHF’s 40th Annual General
Meeting at the Melia Hotel in Zanzibar.
This esteemed award acknowledges WHI’s pioneering role in making homeownership more
accessible to low- and middle-income earners across Tanzania. WHI’s innovative payment
solutions, including its progressive payment method with 0% interest during construction and
tenant purchase/hire purchase schemes with lower interest rates, were highlighted as key
factors contributing to its win. These unique offerings have significantly reduced the financial
barriers for aspiring homeowners.
WHI’s homes are sold at prices 10% – 30% below market rates, with starting prices as low as
38 million TZS. This commitment to affordability has helped thousands of Tanzanians achieve
their dreams of homeownership, directly addressing the country’s housing gap. The award
also marks a special milestone for WHI, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, underscoring a
decade of innovation and leadership in the housing finance sector.
As the only developer from Tanzania to receive an award this year, WHI stood out among a
competitive field of housing finance organizations from across the continent. The AUHF
Awards recognize impactful contributions to the housing sector in Africa, and WHI’s customerfocused, affordable financing models resonated with the judges as an exemplary effort in
reducing housing costs.
The criteria for selection at the AUHF Awards were rigorous, focusing on the tangible impact
organizations have made in affordable housing. The evaluation process involved an in-depth
review of WHI’s projects, the actual work done on the ground, and extensive engagement with
project beneficiaries. This feedback from homeowners and community members provided
direct insight into the success and reach of WHI’s housing initiatives. Other criteria included
the scale of innovation, sustainability of financial models, and contribution to narrowing the
housing gap across Africa.
The AUHF, a key organization bringing together housing finance stakeholders across Africa
for over 40 years, empowers its partners to drive the creation of more affordable housing
solutions across the continent. WHI’s commitment to lowering housing costs and providing
innovative financing models was seen as a major step toward achieving this vision.
This award is a testament to WHI’s dedication to making homeownership a reality for more
Tanzanians. Our innovative approach to financing and our unwavering commitment to
affordability are at the heart of everything we do. We are honoured to receive this recognition,
and we will continue to work tirelessly to close the housing gap in Tanzania.
WHI’s win at the AUHF Awards reinforces its position as a key player in Africa’s affordable
housing market, contributing to the broader deve