‘Africa Can’t Solve Housing Deficit With Outdated Solutions’

The organisers of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), have said Africa must embrace innovation and technology to tackle the continent’s housing deficit.

HDAN stated this at the launch of the AIHS Innovation Hub, a platform aimed at showcasing housing technologies, smart construction solutions and startups in the sector.

The Innovation Hub will make its debut during the 20th edition of the Africa International Housing Show scheduled to hold from July 13 to 18, 2026, in Abuja.

The chief executive officer of the Africa International Housing Show, Festus Adebayo, said innovation and collaboration would play a key role in addressing the continent’s housing challenges.

“Africa cannot solve its housing deficit with yesterday’s solutions. The AIHS Innovation Hub is designed to identify, promote and connect innovators with governments, investors, developers and industry leaders who are looking for practical solutions that can deliver affordable, sustainable and scalable housing,” he said.

According to Adebayo, the Hub will provide a platform for participants to explore developments in areas such as alternative building technologies, artificial intelligence in construction and real estate, smart home solutions, digital land administration systems, Building Information Modelling, green housing technologies, modular housing systems, renewable energy solutions and PropTech startups.

He said startups and technology firms would also have opportunities to present their ideas to development finance institutions, commercial banks, venture capital firms, governments, real estate developers and international development partners.

Adebayo added that selected innovators would participate in an Innovation Pitch Session aimed at identifying solutions to reduce construction costs, improve efficiency, accelerate project delivery, and expand access to housing for low-income and informal workers.

“The next breakthrough in affordable housing may come from a young innovator, a startup, or a local technology company. AIHS Innovation Hub is where these ideas will meet investors, governments and industry leaders capable of turning innovation into impact,” he said.

The organisers said the 20th edition of AIHS, themed “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa,” is expected to bring together participants and exhibitors from different countries across the continent.