Africa Risen: A Foreword to the 18th Real Estate Development Summit – Africa

As global interest in Africa’s real estate and hospitality sectors continues to gather pace, the 18th Edition Real Estate Development Summit - Africa, set for October 8 - 9, 2025 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, promises to be a pivotal moment for industry leaders, investors, developers, and innovators alike.

Africa’s Hospitality Horizon: A Market on the Move

• The continent’s real estate sector is poised for robust expansion, with projected growth from US $17.64 trillion in 2025 to US $21.92 trillion by 2029.
• Furthermore, the broader tourism landscape is expected to surge to $731.4 billion by 2032, marking Africa as an increasingly attractive investment frontier.

Summit Format: Connecting Deals with Intent

• Organised by GBB Venture, the summit will feature pre-qualified B2B matchmaking, meticulously aligning delegate project needs with global supplier capabilities to maximize value from every meeting.

Who Will Be There and Why It Matters

Attendees will include a list of top investors, developers, owners, operators, consultants, architects, designers, global solution providers, contractors, and media representatives from across Africa and beyond. This diverse gathering ensures a melting pot of expertise and influence where deals are not just discussed, they’re made.

Highlights:

1. Strategic Timing

Dubai offers an optimal crossroads of connectivity and convenience, particularly relevant as many African property developments increasingly rely on global supply chains and foreign investment.

2. High-Quality Engagements

The curated matching of projects and suppliers ensures participants engage with decision-makers and solution providers directly aligned with their strategic needs.

3. A Growth Catalyst

With real estate development poised to become a major economic pillar, this summit acts as a springboard for partnerships that could transform the built environment across Africa.

4. Global-Local Fusion

Expect constructive dialogue where African development ambitions meet worldwide best products and technologies, positioning the continent at the forefront of responsible real estate development.

What to Watch For

• Insightful keynote sessions from leading industry figures, panel discussions focused on design outlook, innovation in real estate and harnessing investment potential.
• Networking and deal-making opportunities customised for maximum business impact, fostering connections that could support construction, hospitality, and urban development across African markets.
• Investment-focused strategized networking sessions that enable meaningful and targeted business dialogues between the decision makers.

Some of the confirmed key speakers include:

• Lee-Anne Singer - Partner, Southern Africa, HVS Middle East Africa
• Dr. Omowale Crenshaw, Co-founder and Managing Principal - Grupo Mecca
• Eng. Tamer Nasser - CEO, City Edge Developments
• Paul Onwuanibe - Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Group
• Saadiya Aliyu Aminu, Managing Director - CEO - Urban Shelter Ltd
• Moiz Hassanali, Director - Royal Group of Companies 
• Mphethi Morojele - Founder & Managing Director, MMA Design Studio
• Andrew Kusewa Kilonzi, Director - Boogertman + Partners Architects
• Anton Larsen Payá, Principal - MASS Design Group
• Mona Hussein, Owner & CEO - Mona Hussein Design House -MHDH
• Craig Clulow, CEO - Kigali Innovation City 
• Boniface Abudho - Head of Africa Research, Knight Frank
• Niyi Adeleye - Head of Real Estate Finance, Africa Regions CIB Standard Bank Group
• Mohamed Laghrari - Chairman & CEO, ALH Holding
• Mildred Mutesa - Vice Chairperson, African Union Housing Finance

Final Glimpse

As October approaches, the 18th Real Estate Development Summit - Africa is shaping up to be more than just an event, it’s a milestone. It reflects Africa’s growing confidence in its real estate future and its expanding role on the global hospitality stage. With Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and accessibility as the backdrop, the stage is set for transformative dialogue. 

Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a smart-tech provider, or an investor exploring Africa’s dynamic markets, this summit is where connections turn into commerce. Stay tuned for speaker reveals, agenda highlights, and registration details, you won’t want to miss how this gathering is shaping the future of Africa’s real estate story.