North African needing accommodation on way up (4)
I believe the answer is:
moor
'north african' is the definition.
'accommodation on way up' is the wordplay.
'accommodation' becomes 'room' (I have seen 'basic accommodation' mean 'room' so perhaps 'accommodation' could also mean 'room').
'on way up' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'room' written backwards gives 'MOOR'.
'needing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for moor that I've seen before include "Heath; berth" , "Heather-covered tract" , "Upland tract - secure boat" , "Land mainly high" , "Desolate area" .)