While the world is progressively adopting measures to endorse sustainable practices across diverse sectors, Lagos still finds itself struggling. This is essentially the focal point of concern addressed by Oluwabusuyi Adonis Fakanlu in his book, ‘Sustainable Real Estate Development in Africa.’ Fakanlu’s 107-page book has heralded a new wave of industry resources for construction and architectural professionals with its rich and detailed analysis of Africa’s real estate sector and its journey toward embracing sustainable urbanisation.
As a renowned authority in Nigeria’s real estate sector, Fakanlu leveraged his extensive experience to share a comprehensive breakdown of architectural sustainability. For Fakanlu, it was enough theoretical assumptions with less clarity for practical ones. As expressed in the book, sustainability should no longer be considered an afterthought. Instead, it should be a principal feature from the planning stages down to execution. This book ushers in a new standard in construction, allowing intellectual fantasies to meet practical realities. It points to key actionable guidelines industry stakeholders can adopt to promote sustainability not just in Lagos, Nigeria, but also across Africa.
The Structure
The book is an organised piece of art following a clear representation of sections that lead to easy reading. From storytelling to brilliant case studies, Fakanlu is explored in-depth in each section. He designed it like a proper broad network where one road leads to another.
The book opens with a compelling overview of sustainability and its diverse principles that have been previously underexplored. The overview rang the first bell for industry professionals to heed, emphasising how crucial sustainability is to environmental resilience, stewardship, and overall development. Following the introduction were chapters that connected the dots on several themes. These themes made up the body of the work, lofty in size and also meaning.
Context: The book didn’t try to impress with global trends and statistics; it narrowed its intent to Africa, particularly Lagos, Nigeria. He highlighted the possible problems faced by the construction industry in Africa and further clarified that the challenges are not central but differ according to individual city needs. Major subjects defined here included rapid urbanisation, housing and infrastructural deficit, and regulatory demands.
After the context, Fakanlu moved to providing detailed industry analysis of Africa’s real estate sector, making clear the possibilities within the sector and sustainability trends that can be adopted without necessarily breaking the bank.
Touching down on sustainability as an art of practice, Fakanlu designed a guide that industry professionals can use to incorporate sustainable designs that are less energy-consuming but efficient, particularly using eco-friendly and local materials for projects.
In policy and regulations, Fakanlu’s assessment of Nigeria’s governmental framework is factual and not far from the truth at all. The regulatory landscape lacks coordination and vetting, as more systems are built under one single system, which creates more problems for developers. He suggests that frameworks guiding proper regulation be revisited to promote fair construction values and eliminate undue taxes/levies.
Each chapter is tailored to pass a message of one of the themes and therein were more explored solutions than problems. It’s from one actionable strategy to the other. Whether it’s policy revisitation and organisation of a single levy collection system, a developer leveraging reuse materials for the implementation of green architecture practice, an investor’s guide to evaluating and exploring real estate opportunities, or highlighting the importance of community development, building not just for financial rewards but for strong community impact to the extent of satisfying human and societal needs.
Pragmatic Discourse
What distinguishes sustainable real estate development in Africa is Fakanlu’s unique ability to merge academic depth with practical application. His interdisciplinary method combines empirical research, case studies, policy analysis, and industry best practices to offer a comprehensive view of the topic.
Instead of treating sustainability as a distant concept, Fakanlu highlights its real-world advantages—cost savings, increased asset value, risk reduction, and social accountability—making a strong case for why developers and investors should adopt it. He debunks the notion that sustainability is too costly, showing instead how sustainable practices can boost profitability and generate lasting economic benefits.
Additionally, the book goes beyond merely pointing out the flaws in Africa’s real estate sector; it provides clear, actionable solutions. Fakanlu’s suggestions encompass a variety of strategic measures, including utilising green finance, encouraging public-private partnerships, embracing renewable energy options, and implementing community-focused planning approaches.
An Indispensable Resource for the Future of African Cities
Sustainable Real Estate Development in Africa goes beyond being just an academic text; it serves as a rallying cry for action. Fakanlu’s work provides a clear roadmap for change, equipping policymakers, investors, and real estate professionals with the necessary tools to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Africa.
For those in the real estate sector, this book is an invaluable resource, offering insights into green building practices, regulatory compliance, and long-term investment strategies. For policymakers, it serves as a guide, showcasing successful legislative and regulatory frameworks that can be adapted across various African countries. For researchers and students, it stands as a crucial academic resource, laying a solid foundation for further exploration in sustainable development and urban planning.
Fakanlu’s blend of optimism and realism makes this book essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of African cities. Whether you are a real estate developer, a government official, an academic, or simply passionate about urban planning, Sustainable Real Estate Development in Africa delivers the vital knowledge and strategic insights needed to foster sustainable advancement in the built environment.
Final Verdict
Sustainable Real Estate Development in Africa is a crucial and timely work that combines thorough research with practical applications and engaging discussions. Oluwabusuyi Adonis Fakanlu offers a compelling, solutions-orientated viewpoint that could significantly transform the African real estate sector for the better.
The book has successfully sparked critical discussions. One of its most significant contributions is its ability to inspire deep, meaningful conversations about the future of real estate development in Africa. Fakanlu raises several pressing questions.
Advancing Sustainability in Marginalised Communities—How can we effectively extend sustainable real estate development to underserved populations, ensuring that urban transformation benefits all social classes?
Governmental Role in Sustainable Development—In what ways can African governments utilize tax incentives, subsidies, and regulatory policies to promote sustainable real estate practices and deter environmentally harmful projects?
Technological Innovations in Real Estate—How can advancements in renewable energy, green building materials, and digital technologies facilitate a shift toward more sustainable and resilient urban models?
Community Participation in Development Decisions— What strategies can be implemented to empower local communities in real estate decision-making, ensuring their voices and interests are prioritised over commercial objectives?
These questions go beyond academic theory; they are vital for determining the future direction of African cities in the decades ahead. By addressing these challenges, the book encourages a proactive approach to urban development. Highly recommended for: Real estate professionals looking for sustainable investment strategies.
Policymakers developing urban planning regulations, Investors seeking long-term growth opportunities in real estate, Academics and researchers focused on urban planning and sustainability, Anyone interested in the future of urban Africa
Engr. Abioye Olasupo Nicholas is a highly skilled Civil/Structural Engineer with extensive experience in consulting, supervision, structural design, and project management. Currently a Partner at Design Craft Engineers and a Technical Sales Engineer at Lafarge, he specialises in structural design, technical sales support, and innovative product development. A corporate member of several engineering institutions, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, he is proficient in various structural design software and has a keen interest in modern construction techniques, recycling, and sustainable building solutions.
