The escalating rent crisis, exemplified by significant cost increases in cities across Africa, highlights a critical issue affecting urban centres continent-wide. This crisis, driven by factors like rising construction costs, inflation, and population growth, underscores the urgent need for collaborative solutions. To address this pressing challenge, the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), 2025, will provide an avenue for experts, policy makers, stakeholders, and youths to forge actionable strategies for affordable housing from the 27th of July to the 1st of August, 2025 at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Nigeria. According to a statement by the Promoters of the event, recent surveys reveal that in Lagos, Nigeria, rental costs have surged, mirroring similar trends seen in Nairobi, Kenya, where the cost of decent accommodation has become a major concern. The statement noted further that comparable pressures in major cities are evident in Accra, Ghana, and Johannesburg, South Africa, where rental markets are experiencing upward pressure on housing affordability for a large segment of the population, just as observed in Abuja where a one-bedroom apartment in Lugbe has jumped from ₦400,000 to ₦600,000, and studio apartments in Jahi now command up to ₦1 million. “These drastic increases are pushing residents into financial distress, with many struggling to keep pace with stagnant incomes. “The AIHS 2025 will serve as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to dissect the root causes of this crisis and develop sustainable solutions. “Discussions will focus on policy reforms, exploring effective government interventions, including the regulation of construction material costs and the implementation of affordable housing projects. “It will also examine financial solutions, reforming mortgage systems to make homeownership more accessible and exploring innovative financing models for rental housing. ” Furthermore, the event will prioritize youth engagement, empowering young people to participate in the housing sector, leveraging their innovative ideas and technological prowess to drive change. “Real estate best practices will be addressed, promoting ethical and sustainable real estate practices to stabilize rental markets and ensure fair pricing. ” Finally, technological innovations will be discussed and showcased, including the use of AI and other technological solutions to improve housing construction and management,” the statement said. The AIHS 2025 aims to foster a collaborative environment where experts, policy makers, stakeholders, and youths can work together to create a more equitable and sustainable housing market in Africa. By addressing the challenges highlighted by the rising housing costs across the continent, the summit will pave the way for tangible solutions that alleviate the financial burden on residents and promote inclusive urban development. “The goal is to move beyond merely discussing the problem and to develop and implement real solutions,” said Festus Adebayo, convener and founder of the Africa International Housing Show.
