Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire (CRRH-UEMOA): Best Inclusive Mortgage Finance Impact West Africa 2018

As cities around the world become more economically powerful and populous, the effects of the global housing crisis become more pronounced. The financial speculation of the global housing market has resulted in a shortage of housing for the poorer and more disadvantaged members of society. This is particularly true in West African countries, where the housing crisis — a shortage of 3.5 million housing units —remains one of the region’s biggest developmental challenges. Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire (CRRH), of the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), is putting roofs over people’s heads. As the leading mortgage refinancer of the UEMOA region, CRRH has facilitated about 8,000 mortgages since its 2012 inception — no small feat in an area where fewer than seven percent of citizens can afford to buy a house. CRRH-UEMOA has powerful strategic partnerships to support the region’s housing development and financing. The World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation recently made a $9m investment in local-currency bonds, issued by CRRH-UEMOA. The bonds mature in 12 years and are designed to increase housing finance – while strengthening local markets. The CFI.co judging panel salutes CRRH-UEMOA for its contributions to the global housing crisis, and congratulates Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire on winning the award for Best Inclusive Mortgage Finance Impact (West Africa) 2018.