The National Association of Realtors Global (NAR Global) is expanding its footprint in Africa as the continent’s property sector undergoes a digital transformation, driven by a new wave of PropTech startups, investor interest, and an ambitious generation of real estate professionals.
Through bilateral partnerships with real estate bodies across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and other countries, NAR Global is supporting efforts to raise industry standards, promote ethical practices, and accelerate technology adoption in property transactions.
Despite the optimism, gaps in infrastructure, digital literacy, and policy remain a challenge. Many African countries still struggle with outdated land registries, lack of legal clarity on digital signatures, and weak consumer protection in online property deals.
Africa’s real estate landscape is rapidly evolving. In cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Johannesburg, digital platforms are transforming how properties are listed, sold, rented, and managed. Mobile-based solutions, virtual reality tours, blockchain-backed registries, and AI-driven property valuations are becoming more common.
Experts say these developments offer a chance to leapfrog traditional barriers in land registration, housing finance, and market transparency if supported by robust policy and international collaboration.
NAR President-Elect Kevin Brown, who spoke at the NAR Regional Leadership Summit organised in Lagos on strengthening partnerships for sustainable development through collaboration, growth, innovation and resilience in Africa, said the summit provides a forum for building relationships between NAR’s regional bilateral partners, affiliates, and other stakeholders.
He said NAR Global’s engagement could be a turning point in building a more structured, transparent, and tech-enabled African property market, one that not only meets local needs but attracts global investment.
Speaking on the initiative, NAR Manager Global Alliances and Business Development, Holly Becker, said NAR Global, which represents over 1.5 million real estate professionals worldwide, offers Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) training and facilitates cross-border business referrals.
In Africa, especially Nigeria, the association is increasingly working with the Association of Estate Agents of Nigeria (AEAN) to enhance market transparency and open up global investment opportunities. She stated that the goal is to equip local professionals with global best practices while embracing innovations emerging from African cities.
According to her, NAR’s engagement is a turning point in building a more structured, transparent, and tech-enabled African property market, one that not only meets local needs but attracts global investment.
Becker explained that the association and its affiliated institutes, societies, and councils provide a wide range of programmes and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge.
“Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.
Real estate designations and certifications through NAR are specialised credentials for realtors.
“Both designations and certifications are forms of real estate agent education that require real estate professionals to be active members of NAR.”
