Fair Targets Affordable Housing For Africa’s Low-Income Workers

Africa’s housing stakeholders will converge in Abuja next week to explore practical solutions to the continent’s affordable housing crisis, with this year’s Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) focusing on improving access to decent homes for low-income earners and informal sector workers.

The 20th anniversary edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS @20 – Legacy Edition), scheduled to begin on July 14 in Abuja, will be held under the theme, “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa.”

Organisers said the event aims to mobilise governments, investors, development finance institutions, policymakers and private sector players to address Africa’s widening housing deficit through innovative financing, policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Taiwo Oyedele, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony, highlighting the federal government’s recognition of housing as a key driver of economic growth, employment, industrialisation and infrastructure development.

Former president of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Dr. Pius Anyim,will chair the opening ceremony and is expected to deliver an address on housing, governance and sustainable development in Africa.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of AIHS, Festus Adebayo, this year’s theme reflects the urgent need to develop housing models that are accessible to millions of Africans working outside the formal economy.

He said the selection of the Finance Minister as keynote speaker underscores the importance of fiscal policies, innovative financing mechanisms, tax reforms and investment-friendly policies in expanding access to affordable housing.

“The housing sector remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth. It has the capacity to stimulate manufacturing, create millions of jobs, deepen financial inclusion and attract both domestic and foreign investments.

We are delighted that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy will lead this important conversation at AIHS 2026,” Adebayo said.

The six-day event is expected to attract more than 20,000 participants from over 25 countries, making it one of Africa’s largest gatherings of housing professionals, policymakers, investors and development partners.

Participants will include ministers responsible for housing and urban development across Africa, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, mortgage institutions, commercial banks, sovereign wealth funds, pension fund administrators, private equity investors and industry experts.

Leading real estate developers and manufacturers of building materials, paint products, construction technologies and cement are also expected to showcase products and innovations designed to improve housing delivery across the continent.

Commissioners for Lands, Housing and Urban Development from states across Nigeria will participate in discussions on land reforms, housing finance, urban planning and strategies for expanding affordable housing.

Organisers also announced that the governors of Katsina and Ebonyi states have confirmed their participation, alongside the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Minister of Steel Development and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, will serve as Chief Host of the event.

AIHS 2026 will feature ministerial dialogues, CEOs’ forums, investment forums, policy roundtables, technical sessions, exhibitions, business-to-business meetings and project showcases aimed at attracting investments and strengthening collaboration across Africa’s housing value chain.

Organisers said the event will provide a platform for governments, developers, financial institutions, manufacturers and prospective homeowners to forge partnerships and develop practical solutions capable of bridging Africa’s housing deficit while unlocking the continent’s real estate potential.