Africa’s housing investment gap requires stronger institutions, finance, stakeholders say

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African real estate leaders have called for stronger institutions, improved corporate governance and innovative financing structures to bridge the continent’s ...

African real estate leaders have called for stronger institutions, improved corporate governance and innovative financing structures to bridge the continent’s housing investment gap, warning that substantial housing demand alone cannot guarantee sustainable investment.

The call was made at the fourth GIDI Intra-Africa Real Estate Conference (IARC 4.0), held recently in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, under the theme, Building Africa: Bridging the Funding Gap in African Real Estate.

The industry stakeholders said unlocking capital for housing development requires more than matching investors with developers, stressing the importance of credible financial information, predictable policies, professional valuation and investment-ready businesses.

The discussions come as African real estate markets continue to grapple with funding constraints, affordability challenges and limited access to mortgage finance, despite growing demand for housing across the continent.

Tobi Akerele, chief executive officer of The GIDI Company Limited, argued that real estate professionals must expand their role beyond property sales to become active participants in capital mobilisation.

In his presentation, From Sales to Capital: The Realtors’ Role in Bridging Africa’s Funding Gap, Akerele said realtors could help aggregate verified housing demand, connect developers with financeable buyers and strengthen relationships between property companies, financial institutions and investors.

He also emphasised due diligence, financial transparency and responsible customer engagement as necessary practices for building investor confidence.

Ayorinde Ejioye, chief operating officer of GIDI, said African real estate companies must strengthen their internal systems to attract long-term investment.

His presentation identified corporate governance, auditable financial records, risk management, technology adoption and specialised professional capacity as critical components of investment readiness.

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