East African leaders convene in Addis Ababa to synchronize trade and housing policies

Ethiopia has opened the inaugural “Addis Africa” Real Estate Exhibition in Addis Ababa, hosting East African leaders to align trade and housing policies. The event, which began on April 23, aims to position the city as a continental real estate hub.

Ethiopia is hosting the first “Addis Africa” Real Estate Exhibition in Addis Ababa, which doubles as an East African regional conference to harmonize trade exchanges and housing regulations across the Horn of Africa. The event opened on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and runs until April 26, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to boost investment.

State Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure Helen Debebe highlighted its importance, saying, “Hosting these two major milestones together presents a significant opportunity to energize the sector and ignite economic activity across the entire region.”

Alemayehu Ketema, president of the Ethiopian Real Estate Developers Association, noted that only legally certified members participate, ensuring secure deals for buyers. Banks and financial institutions are prominently involved, offering long-term mortgages and flexible payments. The conference draws on experiences from Kenya and Nigeria to build a regulated housing sector in Ethiopia.

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