By Kingsley Adegboye

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 20th anniversary edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS @20 – Legacy Edition), scheduled to hold on July 14th, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

The announcement has heightened expectations for what is widely regarded as Africa’s largest and most influential housing and construction event.

This year’s edition is holding with the theme: “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa.”

Adding further prestige to the opening ceremony, Distinguished Senator Dr. Pius Anyim, GCON, former President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has confirmed his participation as the Chairman of the opening ceremony, where he is expected to deliver the Chairman’s Address on the future of housing, governance and sustainable development in Africa.

The participation of the nation’s Finance Minister underscores the strategic importance the Federal Government attaches to housing as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, industrial development, infrastructure expansion and national prosperity.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Festus Adebayo, the choice of Taiwo Oyedele as the keynote speaker reflects the growing recognition that sustainable housing delivery requires sound fiscal policies, innovative financing mechanisms, tax reforms and a conducive investment environment.

“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.”

The 20th Anniversary Legacy Edition is expected to bring together an unprecedented gathering of housing and construction leaders from across Africa, including Ministers responsible for Housing and Urban Development, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), multilateral organisations, mortgage institutions, commercial banks, sovereign wealth funds, pension fund administrators, private equity investors, policymakers and industry experts.

The event will also feature leading real estate companies with proven records of delivering quality developments, alongside major manufacturers of building materials, paint products, construction technologies and cement, including Dangote Cement Plc, all showcasing innovative products and solutions designed to transform Africa’s housing sector.

Commissioners for Lands, Housing and Urban Development from states across Nigeria have also confirmed participation and are expected to engage in high-level discussions on land reforms, housing finance, urban development and practical strategies for expanding access to affordable housing.

Another major boost for the event is that Governors of Katsina State and Ebonyi State have confirmed their attendance, demonstrating the increasing commitment of state governments to addressing housing challenges and attracting investment into the real estate sector.

Also confirming participation are Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security,  Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology,  Honourable Minister of Steel Development, and the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. 

Their participation is expected to enrich discussions on food security, industrialisation, local manufacturing, innovation, technology and value-chain development, all of which are critical to delivering affordable and sustainable housing across Africa.

Serving as the Chief Host of the event is the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD, whose leadership continues to drive the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to decent and affordable housing across Nigeria.

For over six days, participants will engage in ministerial dialogues, CEOs’ forums, investment forums, policy roundtables, technical sessions, exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, business-to-government engagements and project showcases designed to mobilise investments and strengthen partnerships across Africa’s housing value chain.

The event will also provide a unique marketplace for developers, investors, financial institutions, manufacturers and homebuyers to network, negotiate partnerships, unveil innovative products and conclude investment deals capable of accelerating housing delivery across the continent.

More than 20,000 participants from over 25 countries are expected to attend AIHS @20, making it one of the largest gatherings of housing professionals, policymakers and investors in Africa.

As AIHS celebrates two decades of advancing housing conversations and promoting investment across the continent, this Legacy Edition promises to be a defining moment in shaping the future of affordable housing, sustainable urban development and real estate investment in Africa.

The organisers have called on governments, investors, development partners, financial institutions, developers, manufacturers and prospective homeowners to seize the opportunities presented by AIHS 2026 to forge partnerships, mobilise capital and drive practical solutions that will bridge Africa’s housing deficit and unlock the continent’s enormous real estate potential.