By Kingsley Adegboye

The organisers of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) have urged governments, developers, financial institutions, manufacturers, investors, and other key stakeholders in the housing and construction sector to urgently tackle the continuous rise in construction costs across Africa.

Speaking ahead of the 20th Anniversary edition of the event (AIHS @20 – Legacy Edition), Chief Executive Officer of AIHS, Festus Adebayo, expressed concern that escalating prices of cement, steel, roofing materials, infrastructure, transportation, and foreign exchange pressures are making affordable housing increasingly unreachable for millions of Africans.

He emphasised the need for fresh thinking, innovation, collaboration, and bold policy reforms to reduce construction costs and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, especially for low-income and informal sector workers.

The 2026 edition of AIHS, scheduled to hold from 13th to 18th July 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, will focus on practical solutions including innovative technologies, alternative building systems, local building materials, housing finance reforms, PropTech solutions, and industrialised construction methods aimed at lowering housing delivery costs.

“Africa cannot continue to discuss affordable housing while construction costs continue to rise daily. The future of affordable housing will depend largely on how serious governments, manufacturers, developers, engineers, financial institutions, innovators, and technology-driven housing companies are willing to innovate and collaborate,” Festus Adebayo said.

He noted that AIHS @20 will serve as a major continental platform for discussing new ideas, technologies, investment opportunities, policy reforms, and sustainable housing models among top industry players from across Africa and beyond.

Adebayo called on all stakeholders — including leading brands, developers, mortgage institutions, construction companies, cooperatives, international development organisations, technology firms, and investors — to actively participate in the AIHS @20 movement.

“This is not just another conference. AIHS @20 represents a strategic movement to redefine the future of housing, construction, innovation, and real estate technology in Africa. We invite all stakeholders to join the train as we collectively push for practical and sustainable housing solutions,” he stated.

He disclosed that over 200 exhibitors from different countries have already registered for the event, while several Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), international organisations, and strategic partners have also confirmed their participation.

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 programme will feature exhibitions, high-level conferences, CEO forums, ministerial roundtables, investment sessions, innovation showcases, and strategic networking opportunities.