The 19th edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Africa’s largest housing and construction event, is expected to attract over 40,000 participants from 21 countries as it returns to Abuja from July 27 to August 1, 2025.
Organisers say this year’s edition, themed “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy,” will feature its most robust agenda yet, with more than 400 local and international brands confirmed to exhibit. These include industry leaders such as Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa Plc, Urban Shelter, COPEN Group, Cosgrove, DME Group, Brain & Hammers, and ThinkLab Group.
According to the convener of AIHS and executive director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Festus Adebayo,the housing show has evolved into a global convergence point for developers, investors, policymakers, financial institutions, construction firms, and diaspora stakeholders committed to solving Africa’s housing crisis.
“This year, we are welcoming over 40,000 participants, representing 21 countries. AIHS 2025 is not just a show—it is a continental conversation about innovation, investment, and implementation in the housing sector,” Adebayo stated.
Among those expected are representatives from the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Shelter Afrique, the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), and several housing ministries across Africa. The event will also host members of parliament from Nigeria, Ghana, and other countries to discuss legislative reforms for the real estate sector.
AIHS 2025 will address critical issues affecting housing delivery, including access to land, land administration reforms, housing finance, tax policies, and climate-resilient construction. There will be special focus on green housing, urban planning, housing data systems, and emerging public-private partnerships.
In a bid to foster inclusion and innovation, the 2025 edition will spotlight young CEOs under 40 who are reshaping Africa’s real estate landscape, while also dedicating sessions to women leaders in housing and construction.
Diaspora investment is expected to feature prominently, with sessions designed to connect Africans abroad to opportunities on the continent. Housing finance forums will explore capital market instruments, non-interest banking models, and pension fund utilisation for affordable housing.
Non-interest banking institutions such as Lotus Bank, Jaiz Bank, and TAJ Bank are slated to lead discussions on Islamic finance options for housing development, while mortgage institutions like NMRC, CityCode Mortgage Bank, and Family Homes Funds will present new financing solutions.
Federal government support remains strong, with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa served as the official host. The Minister is expected to unveil new housing delivery initiatives backed by the federal government during the event.
The highlight of the event will be the Best of AIHS Awards, which recognize excellence in affordable housing, sustainable construction, design innovation, and social impact.
Adebayo also emphasised Africa’s need to reduce its dependence on imported building materials. “AIHS 2025 will promote local innovation, indigenous technology, and regional capacity building to reduce construction costs and make housing more accessible,” he said.
With rising investor interest from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, AIHS 2025 is poised to generate high-level discussions around infrastructure, policy, and direct investment in Africa’s real estate sector.
