Zimbabwe ranks second in Africa for the highest number of homeless individuals per 10,000 people, according to recent statistics shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Africa Facts Zone, which attributed the data to Habitat for Humanity International. These figures shed light on the broader homelessness crisis across the continent and the urgent need for action.
However, the ranking has sparked widespread debate among Zimbabweans online. Many Zimbos have rejected the figures, claiming they are inaccurate and do not reflect the realities on the ground. Some argue that Zimbabwe cannot rank second on the list, insisting that the majority of the population has homes, even if modest, and that homelessness is not as severe as portrayed.
Top 15 African Countries by Homeless Population Per 10,000 People
- Uganda 🇺🇬 – 1,125
- Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 – 848
- Somalia 🇸🇴 – 772
- Sudan 🇸🇩 – 624
- Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 – 335
- Nigeria 🇳🇬 – 206
- Zambia 🇿🇲 – 194
- Mozambique 🇲🇿 – 189
- Egypt 🇪🇬 – 186
- DR Congo 🇨🇩 – 172
- Mali 🇲🇱 – 157
- Benin 🇧🇯 – 106
- Madagascar 🇲🇬 – 100
- Cameroon 🇨🇲 – 77.5
- Libya 🇱🇾 – 58.1
Zimbabwe’s Crisis in Context
Despite public reactions disputing the ranking, the figure of 848 homeless individuals per 10,000 people sheds light on Zimbabwe’s broader socioeconomic struggles. In urban areas like Harare, a visible increase in informal settlements and street dwellers points to housing challenges that cannot be ignored.
Zimbabweans Responding To The Homeless Stats
Zimbabweans took to social media to express their disappointment and challenge the data. @lilomatic questioned the methodology, saying, “Maybe define what you mean by homeless??? Number 2 is fake—100% fake.” Similarly, @iammakhoe dismissed the ranking, stating, “We don’t have that in Zim, where are you getting your statistics?”
Other users provided context to refute the claim. @balbinacharmie argued, “Your Zimbabwe stats are a lie though. Zim is a rural population migrating to urban areas, so almost everyone has a rural home to go to.” Meanwhile, @takxdzwanasheRC added, “Zimbabwe might be bad, but it doesn’t have homeless people. Where do they get these figures? Plus, the image attached below should not be considered a home.”
Homelessness Across Africa
While Zimbabwe’s ranking is debated, Uganda leads the continent with 1,125 homeless people per 10,000, driven by extreme poverty and displacement. Somalia (772) and Sudan (624) also grapple with significant homelessness, largely fueled by conflict and instability.
Meanwhile, countries like Libya (58.1) and Cameroon (77.5) report lower rates, suggesting more robust safety nets or different definitions of homelessness.
What do you think about these homeless statistics?
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