|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Expectations are high that, when global investors, innovators, policymakers, and sundry stakeholders gather in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 2025 edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS 2025), Africa’s housing landscape will be reimagined and redefined.
It is also expected that the gathering, with a strong focus on innovation, policy reform, and investment-driven growth, will catalyse large-scale action towards sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing across Africa.
According to the organisers, the housing show already slated for July 27 to August 1, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, is poised to become a turning point for the continent’s real estate and construction sectors as it is hoped that the event will explore bold solutions that can reshape the future of housing in Africa.
This year’s event, with the theme, ‘Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy,” is expected to be the most expansive yet, with stakeholders from across the globe set to explore new solutions to the continent’s growing housing challenges.
Organisers project that over 40,000 participants from more than 21 countries will attend, including property developers, policymakers, investors, government officials, financiers, researchers, diaspora representatives, and urban planners.
AIHS, according to Festus Adebayo, Convener of AIHS and Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has evolved into a global meeting point for players in the housing ecosystem committed to driving real change.
He stressed the urgency of reducing Africa’s dependency on imported building materials and embracing home-grown innovations that can bridge the continent’s infrastructure and housing gap.
“Over 400 local and international brands have confirmed their participation in this year’s event.
“Among them are industry giants like Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa Plc, Urban Shelter, and Cosgrove, alongside a strong lineup of real estate developers, mortgage banks, and construction technology providers including Brain & Hammers, Mshel Homes, DME Group, CityCode Mortgage Bank, Brooks Africa, NMRC, CDK, Haven Homes, and COPEN Group.
“Key government-linked institutions such as Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) are also set to play a major role.
‘This year’s edition will feature a dynamic agenda focusing on some of the most pressing issues affecting housing and construction in Africa.
“Topics up for discussion include land access and reforms, housing finance, tax regulations, green building technologies, climate-resilient housing, urban planning, data for housing development, and public-private partnerships”, he added.
According to Adebayo, the event will offer strategic forums that examine alternative financing models such as non-interest housing finance and pension-backed housing infrastructure.
He noted that major Islamic financial institutions, including Lotus Bank, Jaiz Bank, and TAJ Bank, are expected to lead discussions in this space, showcasing how ethical finance can support inclusive housing development.
“A critical feature of AIHS 2025 is its spotlight on emerging leaders and innovators in real estate.
“Special sessions will highlight the contributions of young CEOs under 40, who are redefining the future of African housing.
“Women in real estate will share experiences, strategies, and recommendations for building inclusive and gender-sensitive housing solutions that meet the needs of a diverse population”, he noted.
Adebayo mentioned that the event will also convene parliamentarians from across Africa, including Ghana and Nigeria, to deliberate on legislative reforms and the revival of outdated laws that hinder real estate growth.
“This legislative engagement underscores the importance of aligning policy with market realities to unlock investment and scale affordable housing delivery.
“One of the most anticipated features of AIHS 2025 is its focus on diaspora investment. Dedicated sessions will explore how Africans living abroad can channel remittances and capital into high-impact real estate projects back home.
“The discussions aim to create a bridge between the diaspora and the continent’s booming housing sector”, he stated.
He further noted that the AIHS 2025 CEOs Forum will serve as a high-level platform for developers and investors to engage on opportunities in large-scale housing, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure projects.
“Prominent global and regional organisations such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Shelter Afrique, African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), and the African Development Bank will participate in framing strategies for long-term investment, resilience, and sustainability across African cities.
“The show will culminate in the Best of AIHS Awards, a prestigious ceremony that honours excellence in affordable housing development, innovative architecture, sustainable construction practices, and social impact.
“With urban populations expanding rapidly and the housing deficit in Nigeria alone exceeding 22 million units, AIHS 2025 arrives at a critical time”, Adebayo said.
Adebayo noted that Africa must seize this moment to embrace innovation, empower local industry, and create sustainable housing pathways for future generations.
