Managing Director/CEO of Homes and Homes Real Estate Limited, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, has called for urgent reforms in the real estate sector in Africa. He spoke at the official launch of Property Brokers International Magazine held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Securing the Future: A New Lens on Africa’s Real Estate Development,” the renowned real estate expert called for urgent reforms to unlock the sector’s vast potential.
Ume-Ezeoke described Nigeria’s housing market as “one of the most dynamic in Africa” but warned that challenges such as a housing deficit of up to 22 million units, high construction costs, and shallow mortgage markets were stalling progress. He urged policymakers to think differently about development.
“Real estate is the closest thing to a guaranteed wealth machine,” he said, quoting entrepreneur Grant Cardone, before adding, “Our task in Africa is to make this wealth machine accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all.”
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While drawing comparisons with the United States, Europe, and Asia, he stressed that Africa must chart its own path. “Unlike other continents, our biggest multipliers are still in land titling, infrastructure, and mortgage market deepening,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism, citing projects such as Tatu City in Kenya, Kigali Innovation City in Rwanda, and Orient Garden City in Nigeria as examples of Africa’s ability to deliver modern, integrated developments.
His recommendations focused on practical solutions such as expanding access to affordable finance, streamlining land acquisition processes, investing in infrastructure, promoting local production of building materials, and strengthening professionalism within the industry. He also called for digital land registries and faster dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce bottlenecks.
Looking to the future, Ume-Ezeoke urged the continent to embrace innovation and sustainability. “Our opportunity is not just to grow, but to grow differently. If we apply global lessons to local realities, build sustainable communities, and embrace transparency and innovation, the world will one day look to Africa not just as a market, but as a model of how to build a better future,” he said.
The launch of Property Brokers International Magazine was widely praised as a timely contribution to the sector, offering a new platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration across Africa’s real estate landscape.
About Ikem Ume-Ezeoke
Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, the Chief Executive Officer of Homes and Homes Real Estate Limited, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Africa’s property sector. A graduate of Estate Management from Enugu State University, he went on to strengthen his expertise with professional certifications such as Prince2, CEO boot camps, and membership of the International Facility Management Association.
