Dr. Moses Tetui, an urban health researcher, is passionate about transforming housing in African cities through his business, Africa's Urban Habitat (AUH). Focused on providing housing that promotes sustainability, health, and community, AUH seeks to respond to housing challenges such as insecurity and limited planning of neighborhoods, while at the same time creating much-needed community and climate change-compliant housing designs.
With a background in public health and more than five years of real estate experience, Moses is driven by his personal and professional encounters with the challenges that urban residents face.
The Inspiration Behind AUH
Moses’ motivation for launching AUH comes from a deep understanding of the housing crisis affecting many African cities. He has witnessed firsthand the negative effects of living in poorly planned neighborhoods that lack essential amenities, alienate people from each other, and create insecure situations. His vision is simple yet powerful: to create housing solutions that prioritize sustainability, health, and community.
“When I look at urban housing challenges in Uganda as an example, the safety and health of residents is often overlooked. I want to create a solution where people live healthy and can sleep soundly without having to worry about security,” Moses explained.
The LiftOff Bootcamp Experience
Moses’ vision to become an entrepreneur led him to the LiftOff Bootcamp, a six-week program designed to support aspiring business owners with resources, mentorship, and practical strategies. With AUH still in its conceptual stage, Moses saw the bootcamp as an opportunity to develop the foundational skills needed to transform his idea into a successful business.
"I didn’t want to go into business blindfolded," Moses shared. "The bootcamp gave me the structure and insight I needed to plan my business properly, so I don’t make mistakes others have made before me."
During the bootcamp, Moses learned the importance of planning, conducting thorough market research, and building a strong support network. The program offered a mix of technical knowledge and hands-on experience, helping Moses refine his approach to business development. One of the critical lessons he took away was the importance ofunderstanding his market and identifying early adopters who would be the first to embrace AUH’s innovative housing model.
Moses views the experience as invaluable. He now has a clear understanding of the steps required to build a sustainable real estate business and has a better understanding of the challenges that may arise along the way.
Looking Ahead
With the knowledge gained from the bootcamp, Moses is now focused on developing a five-year plan for AUH. His short-term goals include registering the business, launching a website, and forming partnerships with key stakeholders. Long-term, he envisions AUH expanding across multiple cities in Africa, offering housing that not only meets the basic needs of urban residents but also fosters innovative housing designs that respond to climate change challenges such as increasing heat waves, promote sustainable use of resources such as land, enhances health/wellbeing and creates community within urban spaces.
Moses’ journey with Africa’s Urban Habitat is just beginning, but his dedication and vision position him to make a lasting impact on housing in African cities.
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