The African Real Estate Society (AfRES) has pledged to deepen investment in the continent’s real estate sector, particularly in Nigeria, while showcasing opportunities to foreign investors.
Speaking in Lagos ahead of the association’s forthcoming conference to be hosted by the Nigerian chapter, themed “Shaping the Future of African Real Estate Markets: Exploring Opportunities,” AfRES President, Kunle Awolaja, described Africa as the only continent “still green in terms of resources and opportunities,” yet largely untapped in real estate.
He stressed the need to interrogate key areas such as sustainable finance, emerging technologies, green initiatives, and their role in shaping real estate markets and driving growth.
Awolaja noted that the forum would provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academics. It will also showcase cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovative solutions reshaping the industry across the continent.
AfRES Nigeria chapter Chairman, Diran Adetunji, said the society is committed to mitigating economic challenges such as persistent inflation, energy crisis, illicit financial flows, and currency fluctuations by convening experts to chart the way forward.
Adetunji observed that while the economy has impacted the sector negatively, government interventions such as real estate investments across the six geopolitical zones and reforms in the mortgage system are cushioning inflationary pressures.
He said opportunities now exist for near single-digit housing loans through the mortgage refinancing company, and stressed the need for patronage of professionals such as estate surveyors and valuers to guide investors and prevent losses from illegal developments.
Dignitaries expected at the forum include the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Musa Dangiwa, who will deliver the keynote address; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; and U.S.-based cybersecurity expert, Yemi Olatunji, who will share insights on transforming Africa’s real estate landscape.
