By Kingsley Adegboye

Organisers of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) have called on housing stakeholders across Africa to prioritise research, innovation, and technology as key drivers for solving the continent’s housing challenges.

This call was made ahead of the 20th Anniversary Edition of AIHS (AIHS @20 – Legacy Edition), scheduled to hold from 13th to 18th July 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

A major highlight of the 2026 event will be the AIHS Innovation Hub, a dedicated platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, research breakthroughs, alternative building materials, PropTech solutions, and sustainable housing models.

Speaking on the initiative, AIHS CEO, Festus Adebayo, said: “The AIHS Innovation Hub is designed to become the centre for housing technology, innovation, research, and future-thinking solutions in Africa. We want to create a platform where innovators, researchers, startups, and institutions can showcase practical ideas capable of transforming housing delivery across the continent.”

Adebayo added that the Innovation Hub will provide **free exhibition opportunities** for innovators, startups, universities, researchers, and young entrepreneurs to present their work to investors, developers, policymakers, and international partners.

The 20th Anniversary edition, themed “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa,” is expected to attract over 40,000 participants, more than 400 exhibitors, and delegates from over 25 countries.

The Innovation Hub will feature exhibitions, live demonstrations, pitch sessions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities focused on smart housing, green construction, digital solutions, and affordable housing models.