The city of Rabat hosted, from June 9 to 11, 2026, the 45th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), bringing together representatives of member States and shareholder financial institutions under the theme : “The Future of Cities : Financing Inclusive, Green and Resilient Urban Development”.
This AGA was notably marked by the election of Morocco as Chair of the Bureau of the 45th AGA for the 2026–2027 term.
In this regard, an opening address by the Minister of Economy and Finance – Chair of the Bureau of the 45th AGA, was delivered by Mr. Adib Benbrahim – Secretary of State for Housing under the Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy. Mr. Mohammed Tarik Bchir – Director of the Treasury and External Finances, chaired the remainder of the proceedings of the AGA on behalf of the Minister.
In his speech, the Secretary of State commended the members of the AGA for their commitment to strengthening the institution and the progress achieved over the past year. He also highlighted the spirit of solidarity that unites African nations around a common objective : ensuring decent and sustainable access to housing for the populations of the continent.
Furthermore, he emphasized the experience of the Kingdom of Morocco in the fields of housing development and urban planning, driven by a vision that considers housing as an essential lever for human development, social cohesion and economic prosperity.
In this regard, he reaffirmed Morocco’s constant commitment to African cooperation and the sharing of best practices in the service of inclusive and sustainable urban development, in accordance with the high guidelines of his majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, who places cooperation with the African continent at the center of the Kingdom’s priorities.
Finally, the Secretary of State presented the main priorities of the Moroccan presidency, focused on accelerating the recapitalization programme, developing local currency financing, supporting flagship affordable housing projects across the continent and promoting efforts aimed at obtaining an “investment grade” credit rating.
The proceedings of this AGA were mainly marked by the transformation of Shelter Afrique into the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), following the ratification of the Agreement establishing it by 17 shareholder countries representing more than 51% of the capital, the launch of the Bank’s new logo, as well as the appointment of new directors and alternate directors representing the various shareholder groups.
During this AGA, shareholders also reviewed and adopted the statutory reports, namely the minutes of the 44th AGA, the annual report and the audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
