Expectations as FirstBank, Dangote Cement headline backers of Africa’s largest housing event

Expectations are high among stakeholders in the Nigerian housing sector as First Bank of Nigeria and Dangote Cement lead influential institutions in housing finance, construction, and homeownership promotion to back the 20th edition of Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).

Other strong sponsors of the event, which is arguably the largest gathering of housing stakeholders in Africa, are the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF). The event comes as legacy edition of the annual confab.

It is expected that the participation of these institutions will create opportunities for prospective home buyers, real estate investors, developers, cooperatives, and housing stakeholders seeking practical solutions to housing needs.

“This 20th Anniversary Edition is designed to go beyond discussions by connecting home seekers directly with institutions that can help them achieve their housing dreams,” Festus Adebayo, AIHS CEO, explained to BusinessDay on Tuesday in Lagos.

“Whether you are looking for affordable housing, luxury homes, mortgage financing, construction materials, home interiors, or investment opportunities, AIHS @20 is the place to be. We are bringing together the entire housing value chain under one roof,” Adebayo stated.

He assured prospective homebuyers who will be attending the event of opportunity to interact directly with mortgage institutions, housing finance providers, developers, cooperative housing schemes, commercial banks, and development finance institutions offering various pathways to homeownership.

FirstBank is expected to showcase innovative financial solutions and housing-related banking products that can support aspiring homeowners and real estate investors.

Dangote Cement, Africa’s leading cement manufacturer, will demonstrate how local production and innovative building solutions can contribute to reducing construction costs and improving housing affordability across the continent.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will provide participants with information on the National Housing Fund Scheme, mortgage opportunities, rent-to-own initiatives, cooperative housing programmes, and other pathways available to Nigerians seeking affordable homeownership.

On its part, MREIF is expected to highlight innovative housing finance mechanisms and investment opportunities designed to unlock affordable housing delivery for low-income and informal sector workers.

The event will feature dedicated sessions where prospective homeowners can meet directly with officials from FMBN, MREIF, mortgage banks, developers, housing cooperatives, and financial institutions to discuss eligibility requirements, financing options, and available housing products.

In addition to housing finance, participants will also have access to hundreds of exhibitors showcasing building materials, paints, roofing products, tiles, home interiors, elevators, smart home technologies, alternative building systems, and modern construction solutions.

Over 350 exhibitors from Nigeria and different countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East who are expected at the event have already secured exhibition spaces for the event, underscoring the growing international appeal of the housing show.

Also expected at the event ministers responsible for Housing, Urban Development, Lands, Infrastructure, and Economic Planning from different African countries, and they have confirmed participation, alongside senior government officials, parliamentarians, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral agencies, investors, and private sector leaders.

Key development partners, housing finance institutions, international investors, and regional organisations are expected to use the platform to explore partnerships, showcase innovative housing initiatives, and engage in high-level discussions aimed at addressing Africa’s housing deficit.

“The high level of interest to participate already recorded demonstrates the confidence stakeholders have in AIHS as Africa’s leading housing and construction platform and reinforces its position as the continent’s foremost marketplace for housing investment, policy dialogue, business networking, innovation, and deal-making,” Adebayo noted.

The event which has as theme, ‘Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa,’ is expected to attract over 20,000 participants, more than 400 exhibitors, delegates from over 25 countries, and some of the continent’s most influential decision-makers in housing, finance, construction, and urban development.

The event will also feature high-level ministerial roundtables, housing finance forums, investment sessions, CEO dialogues, innovation showcases, business-to-business meetings, cooperative housing sessions, youth housing programmes, and strategic deal-signing opportunities designed to accelerate housing delivery across Africa.

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