By Efe Onodjae

Stakeholders in Africa’s real estate and property management sector have called for greater collaboration and investment in technology-driven systems to enhance community management and digital transformation across the continent.

This call came during the maiden edition of the Real Estate Management in Africa Conference (REMA) 2025, held in Lagos, with the theme “Structures Beyond Buildings.”

Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Venco Africa, Chude Osiegbu, said the conference was conceived to bridge a long-standing gap in the real estate industry, shifting focus from physical construction to the operational structures that sustain communities after development.

“Typically, when you have real estate events, the focus is on developers and construction. We felt that those operating and managing communities are not getting their fair hearing. That realisation inspired the creation of REMA, to provide a forum for operators, stakeholders, and residents to exchange ideas and learn from each other,” Osiegbu said.

He explained that the industry must embrace digitization to improve facility operations, community safety, and sustainability.

“We want to bring together the voices of all stakeholders, residents, facility managers, energy and security providers, to understand the factors necessary to successfully run modern communities,” he added.

Osiegbu emphasized that the adoption of digital tools such as internet-enabled access control, app-based billing, and energy monitoring systems has already transformed how estates are managed, making them more efficient and transparent.

“There’s no introduction of new technologies without friction, but the potential to make life more seamless in our communities is enormous,” he noted, calling for closer collaboration between technology firms, banks, and telecom operators.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Haven Homes, Mrs. Ufuoma Ilesanmi, described digitalization as one of the most impactful innovations in Nigeria’s real estate history.

“Ten years ago, when we introduced smart home features, people didn’t see the need. Today, homes with digital systems sell almost twice as fast. Buyers now demand smart access, energy monitoring, and app-based security,” she said.

She noted that apps such as Venco and My Estate App have redefined post-sale management, enabling transparency and accountability among developers, facility managers, and residents.

On her part, Head of Technical Forum, UPDC FM, Mr. Chijioke Akanno, said digital systems have significantly reduced inefficiencies in community management.

“Before, access control at estate gates took several minutes, with guards calling residents to verify visitors. Now, it takes less than 30 seconds with QR codes and digital authorization. Technology has also improved transparency and reduced billing errors,” he explained.

Akanno, however, called for government participation to support smart systems like panic alarms and digital safety infrastructure, saying these must be integrated with responsive emergency services.

President of IFMA Nigeria, Engr. Sheriff Daramola, identified energy as the single largest cost driver in estate operations.

“We must integrate renewable solutions like solar and hybrid systems from the design stage. Many estates prevent residents from installing solar due to poor planning. Developers must design with sustainability in mind,” he said.

Similarly, General Manager of Provast Ltd, Mr. Emad Yassin, noted that cost efficiency begins with smart architecture.

“If a building is designed to allow natural light and ventilation, energy costs automatically drop. Efficiency starts with the architect’s drawing board,” he said.

President of the Nigeria PropTech Association, Dr. Roland Igbinoba, who moderated the sessions, urged real estate stakeholders to “invest in the digital backbone of African cities,” stressing that technology, data, and collaboration will define the future of real estate management across Africa.

The REMA 2025 Conference, organised by Venco Africa, featured participation from MTN, Sterling Bank, Provast, Rana Energy, and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) as platinum partners.