Online Event: Homes for All - Towards Housing Justice in Africa
In light of Urban October 2025 and the upcoming World Cities Day, which focuses on people-centered smart cities, the Just City Project of the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation in Africa will host an online event to discuss housing issues in African countries. It will highlight the importance of inclusive, accessible, and dignified living conditions in rapidly urbanizing African cities.
This online dialogue will feature speakers from Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and Sierra Leone, each providing insights into the housing challenges specific to their local contexts. Topics will include informal settlements, rising land costs, and incoherent policies, as the speakers critically examine systemic barriers to housing justice.
Most importantly, the session will showcase practical, community-driven housing solutions co-designed by local actors, aiming to inspire and promote urban models focused on lived experience and people-centered approaches to just cities.
Join us on October 1st, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM East Africa Time. Register through the link provided below.
Joseph M. Macarthy (PhD)
Joseph M. Macarthy is an esteemed urban researcher specializing in urban planning, housing, and climate change adaptation in Sierra Leone. He is the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), a globally connected research institution based in Freetown. Joseph’s research focuses on improving the well-being of residents in informal settlements and strengthening urban research and policy in Sierra Leone.
Arch. Florence Nyole
Florence Nyole, a registered architect with over 12 years' experience, runs EcoSpace Architects Ltd. She previously worked at Waweru and Associates Architects and Classroom Africa under the African Wildlife Foundation. She received an AAK Award of Excellence in 2017 for Mara Girls Leadership School and was nominated for Leader in Social Impact in 2024 by Women in Real Estate Kenya. She was a Tutorial Fellow at the University of Nairobi and won a leadership award in 2021 from Women in Real Estate Kenya. Florence served as President of the East Africa Institute of Architects and was the President of the Architectural Association of Kenya. Recently, she was named in the Top 40 under 40 Women in 2024 by Daily Nation's Business Daily and serves on various committees including the FES Kenya-supported Just City Working Group.
Tatu Mtwangi Limbumba
Dr. Tatu Limbumba, Senior Research Fellow at Ardhi University, specializes in housing, informality, climate change, and urban poverty. She has advised on key policies, including the 2021 National Housing Policy, and conducted studies for the National Housing Corporation. Her research spans gender, housing, service delivery, and climate change, with published works. She also teaches postgraduate courses in housing, gender, climate change, leadership, and governance.
Grace M. Chikumo-Mtonga
Ms. Grace M. Chikumo-Mtonga advocates for land, housing rights, and sustainable urban development. As Executive Director of the Civic Forum on Housing and Habitat Zambia, she promotes secure land tenure, shelter, and livelihoods. With a background in Economic Policy Management, Development Studies, and Finance, she has shaped housing policies, led research, and fostered partnerships for citizen participation. President of Habitat International Coalition and member of regional housing networks, she has led community housing projects, policy advocacy, and financial strengthening for civil society. Her focus on transparency and inclusive development has earned recognition in Zambia and beyond. Grace continues to champion housing solutions that empower marginalized communities and influence policy globally.
