From 30th October to 1st November 2024, Naivasha welcomed industry leaders, investors, and policymakers for the REITS Association of Kenya Annual Conference. Centred on the theme “Navigating New Frontiers: Unlocking the Potential of Africa’s REIT Market,” the gathering was a space for fresh ideas, collaboration, and honest conversations about the role of REITs in Africa’s future.
The discussions went beyond traditional property investment. Delegates explored how REITs could be catalysts for affordable housing, commercial growth, and infrastructure development—all critical priorities for the continent.
A number of case studies provided a practical basis for the discussions. Strong regulations and a developed market can boost confidence and draw in international investment, as seen by South Africa. Morocco provided instances of how REITs might hasten the change of metropolitan areas. Zimbabwe offered an open examination of the challenges and possibilities involved in creating a REIT market from the ground up. A compelling argument for REITs’ contribution to national development was made by Kenya’s own case studies, which highlighted the firms’ capacity to finance housing and transport infrastructure.