Key players in Africa's real estate and property management sector are pushing for a major technological shift to improve community living and facility management across the continent.
The Call for Digital Integration
This urgent call for stronger collaboration and increased investment in technology-driven systems was made during the inaugural Real Estate Management in Africa Conference (REMA) 2025, held in Lagos with the theme "Structures Beyond Buildings."
Speakers unanimously agreed that Africa's real estate sector is entering a new era driven by data, digital management systems, and community intelligence rather than just physical infrastructure. They emphasized that future-ready estates must adopt tools that promote transparency, energy efficiency, and seamless communication between residents and managers.
Beyond Physical Construction
Chude Osiegbu, Convener and CEO of Venco Africa, urged sector players to look beyond physical construction and focus on operational structures that sustain efficient communities in a rapidly digitalizing world.
"Typically, when you have real estate events, the focus is on developers and construction," Osiegbu stated. "We felt that those operating and managing communities are not getting their fair hearing. That realization inspired the creation of REMA to provide a forum for operators, stakeholders, and residents to exchange ideas and learn from each other."
He highlighted that fast-growing cities including Lagos, Nairobi, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Accra are expanding into new residential and commercial collectives that require advanced digital tools for effective management.
"People are living more 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.
Technology as a Game Changer
The President of the Nigeria PropTech Association, Dr Roland Igbinoba, reinforced the call for deeper digital integration during his moderation of the panel on "The Digital Future of African Communities."
Ufuoma Ilesanmi, Managing Director of Haven Homes Nigeria, revealed that technology has evolved into a critical selling point in real estate development. "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 explained.
Chijioke Akanno, Head of Technical Management at UPDC FM Ltd, described technology as a transformative force in facility management. "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," Akanno detailed.
However, he stressed the need for stronger government involvement, particularly in integrating digital systems like panic alarms or emergency alerts with responsive public infrastructure such as police and emergency services.
Cost Management and Renewable Energy
During the session on "Cost Management in Real Estate and Facility Management," industry leaders emphasized planning, renewable energy integration, and smarter technology use to reduce costs and improve operations.
Sheriff Daramola, President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter, identified energy as the single biggest cost driver in estate operations. "Energy remains the biggest cost component in managing communities," he stated. "We must integrate renewable solutions like solar and hybrid systems from the design stage."
Daramola noted that many estates restrict residents from installing personal solar systems due to design flaws, urging developers to incorporate shared renewable energy models from inception.
While acknowledging that digital adoption faces challenges, Osiegbu emphasized that the benefits of digitization far outweigh initial setbacks. The broader vision of REMA is to foster collaboration between property owners, managers, and technology innovators, enabling African cities to leapfrog traditional systems and build smarter, more 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."
