Stakeholders in Africa's real estate sector urged greater collaboration and tech investments at the first Real Estate Management in Africa Conference in Lagos. The event highlighted how digital systems can improve community living and efficiency. Speakers emphasized shifting focus from construction to operational management in a digital era.
The maiden Real Estate Management in Africa Conference (REMA) 2025 took place in Lagos under the theme “Structures Beyond Buildings.” Attendees from the real estate and property management sectors called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in technology-driven systems to enhance community living and facility management across Africa.
Speakers agreed that the sector is entering a new era driven by data, digital management systems, and community intelligence. They stressed that future-ready estates must adopt tools promoting transparency, energy efficiency, and seamless communication between residents and managers.
Chude Osiegbu, Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Venco Africa, explained the conference's origins. “Typically, when you have real estate events, the focus is on developers and construction. We felt that those operating and managing communities are not getting their fair hearing. That realisation inspired the creation of REMA to provide a forum for operators, stakeholders, and residents to exchange ideas and learn from each other,” he said.
Osiegbu highlighted fast-growing cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Accra, where residents live in collectives under central management. “In this digital and AI era, those who manage these communities must increasingly rely on technology to make life easier,” he added. He noted that while digital adoption poses challenges, its benefits outweigh setbacks, aiming to foster ties between property owners, managers, and tech innovators for smarter, sustainable communities.
“The future of real estate management is digital,” Osiegbu concluded. “Technology is not just an add-on, it’s the backbone of livable, efficient, and sustainable communities.”
Dr. Roland Igbinoba, President of the Nigeria PropTech Association, moderated a panel on “The Digital Future of African Communities,” echoing calls for deeper integration.
Ufuoma Ilesanmi, Managing Director of Haven Homes Nigeria, said technology has become a key selling point. “Ten years ago, when we introduced smart home features, people didn’t see the need. Today, homes with digital systems sell almost twice as fast. Buyers now demand smart access, energy monitoring, and app-based security,” she stated.
Chijioke Akanno, Head of Technical Management at UPDC FM Ltd, called technology a game-changer. “Access control used to take several minutes, with guards calling residents to verify visitors. Now, it takes less than 30 seconds with digital QR codes. Apps have made it easier to manage power, payments, and complaints, while enhancing community transparency,” he explained. Akanno urged government involvement to link digital systems like panic alarms with public services such as police and emergency responses.
In a session on “Cost Management in Real Estate and Facility Management,” leaders focused on planning, renewable energy, and tech to reduce costs. Sheriff Daramola, President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter, identified energy as the biggest expense. “Energy remains the biggest cost component in managing communities,” he said. “We must integrate renewable solutions like solar and hybrid systems from the design stage.” Daramola pointed out that many estates limit personal solar installations due to design issues, advocating for shared renewable models from the start.