Afriland Properties Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering governments, investors and industry stakeholders to expand affordable housing and promote sustainable urban development.
The company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Azubike Emodi, made the commitment at the 20th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
Emodi spoke during a panel on Housing Models for the Informal Sector and the Ecosystem Changes Required to Unlock Affordable Housing.
He said affordable housing required coordinated action among governments, financiers, developers and policymakers to create a sustainable housing ecosystem.
Emodi said developers alone could not solve Africa’s housing challenge without supportive policies, financing and enabling infrastructure.
He urged stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach by reducing construction costs, reforming policies and expanding affordable financing options.
“The real shift starts with bringing everyone into the housing conversation because the challenge must be addressed from every angle,” he said.
Emodi said cheaper building methods, policy reforms and improved financing would create a level playing field for developers.
He said homes should only be regarded as affordable when they matched the purchasing power and aspirations of intended beneficiaries.
According to him, developers remain willing to increase housing supply despite rising construction costs, expensive financing, infrastructure gaps and regulatory bottlenecks.
The panel featured housing experts and policymakers from Kenya, Liberia and other African countries.
Participants included Stephen Wanjala of Housing and Development Finance Africa, Jane Lumumba of UN-Habitat Kenya and Kamau Kamande.
Others included Hon. Florence Kataeka Geegbae, Managing Director of Liberia’s National Housing Authority.
The 20th Africa International Housing Show brought together stakeholders to advance housing, urban development, investment and public-private collaboration across Africa.
The forum also explored practical solutions to the continent’s growing housing deficit through stronger partnerships and policy reforms.
