The Convener, Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Mr Festus Adebayo, has emphasised the need for Africa to reduce its reliance on imported building materials and technologies.

Speaking ahead of this year’s Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), themed “Reimagining Housing through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy,” he stated that AIHS offers the right platform to promote local innovation, build capacity, and forge partnerships that can bridge Africa’s infrastructure and housing gap.

Adebayo, who doubles as Executive Director, Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), said this year’s AIHS will spotlight emerging trends and solutions that are reshaping the continent’s housing and urban development space, as well as delve into critical issues affecting the housing and construction industry, including access to land, land administration reforms, housing finance, tax policies, and climate-resilient housing.

He said special focus will be placed on emerging leadership, with curated sessions highlighting young CEOs under 40 who are driving innovation in Africa’s real estate sector. “Women in real estate will also take centre stage, sharing insights on inclusive and gender-responsive housing development.”

Parliamentarians from Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries will join housing sector leaders to discuss legislations aimed at reviving outdated laws that will develop the real estate sector. Diaspora investment will also be at the forefront of this year’s event, with sessions aimed at connecting Africans abroad with real estate opportunities back home.

The World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, Shelter Afrique, African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), African Development and several regional housing ministries will participate in shaping strategies for long-term investment and inclusive growth.

As the continent’s urban population continues to grow rapidly, Adebayo said AIHS stands as a strategic opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s cities through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable housing solutions.

For stakeholders across the housing value chain, he stated that the event offers not just visibility, but a real chance to drive meaningful change.