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Kenya’s residential market booms: opportunities and challenges ahead

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Kenya

Kenya’s residential market is experiencing remarkable growth across the income spectrum, driven by increasing demand from local buyers, expatriates, and international investors

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16, 2025/APO Group/ –Kenya’s residential market is thriving, driven by rising demand from buyers, expatriates, and international investors. The luxury and affordable housing markets are having a moment with potential buyers. These dynamics will take center stage at the 2025 East Africa Property Investment Summit in Nairobi from 7-8 May at Pullman, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya (https://www.APIEvents.com)​.

Kenya’s residential market is experiencing remarkable growth across the income spectrum, driven by increasing demand from local buyers, expatriates, and international investors.

This segment has become a focal point for developers and stakeholders seeking to capitalize on Kenya’s evolving real estate landscape.

Kenya’s housing market is divided into two segments: the luxury and affordable market.

On the luxury end of the residential market, Kenya’s growing number of high-net-worth individuals and expatriates are driving demand for premium properties in exclusive neighborhoods.

This demand for premium properties is driven by affluent buyers, with projections indicating further growth to 16,900-dollar millionaires by 2026, according to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report published by Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth.

Nairobi ranks among the top cities globally for luxury real estate price growth, and in some cases, it has outperformed cities like London and Paris.

The dynamics of Kenya’s high-end residential market will be explored during the upcoming East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit, a premier real estate event that brings together over 450 global investors, developers, and professionals from the real estate industry. The 12th annual summit will be held in Nairobi from 7 to 8 May 2025, at Pullman, Upper Hill.  This year’s EAPI Summit will explore how developers and investors can capitalize on investment opportunities in countries such as Tanzania and Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. These countries are showing promising signs of economic recovery, improving political stability, and stabilizing interest rates.

Real estate experts will unpack investment opportunities in Kenya’s high-end residential market. Institutional investors and development finance institutions are increasingly paying more attention to the country’s residential market as they are funding several development projects and have ambitions of developing good neighborhoods. These investors continue to fund mixed-use developments that combine residential spaces with retail and leisure facilities, attracting younger buyers seeking modern living solutions.

Its financial solutions include mortgage financing to cover the property sale price plus closing costs like stamp duty and legal fees; financing for residential property construction; funding products targeting Kenyans seeking affordable housing solutions; cost for residential plots in major towns; and blended finance options for sustainable and affordable student housing.

Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank is committed to supporting sponsors that are addressing Kenya’s housing needs while promoting sustainability and economic growth in the real estate sector. This is why Stanbic Bank is supporting this year’s EAPI Summit as a gold sponsor.

While the luxury end of the residential markets remains shaped by location, size of the unit, and breadth of features that align with buyer tastes and aspirations, Stanbic Bank believes that the luxury segment is not starved of attention from investors. However, the affordable housing market remains neglected.

And because of this, the financial service company is choosing to back the affordable/middle-income housing segment, where the demand remains strong and impact benefits are richer.

“In that segment, factors shaping the evolution of successful projects are the proximity of projects to key business hubs, accessibility to transport networks, and quality of offering trade-offs relative to price point. It is useful to highlight that the demand in a large section of this market segment is driven by the rental markets and the retail and institutional property investment markets,” says spokesperson Niyi Adeleye, the head of real estate finance for Africa regions at Standard Bank Group, which is part of the Stanbic Bank.

The Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank’s sponsorship will enable investors to understand Kenya’s residential market over the two days scheduled for the EAPI Summit, connecting them with industry experts. The financial services company will back investors aligned with its mandate of investments in the affordable housing market.

“For Standard Bank/Stanbic Bank, our interests remain to actively participate in and contribute to the development and shaping of the built environment in key countries in our footprint of which Kenya is key. Our activities provide opportunities to participate in projects with significant social impacts and deepen environmental impacts in collaboration with the project sponsors through the development of green-rated properties and our provision of green loans to back those developments. In addition, these projects help shape the property evolution of the cities and countries to improve livability and the growth and availability of more robust social infrastructure,” says Adeleye.

As East Africa’s economic and cultural hub, the city is increasingly attracting a global, more sophisticated consumer— one who has been exposed to premium real estate

Despite the growth potential of Kenya’s residential market, it faces notable hurdles.

Real estate developers struggle with access to long-term financing due to high interest rates and stringent lending requirements, leaving them with limited financing options for residential projects.

There are also land tenure issues, with legal disputes over land ownership that can delay projects and increase costs for developers. Another conundrum is that the demand for residences and luxury homes often outpaces supply, which creates competitive pricing pressures.

At the EAPI Summit, there will be leading experts helping potential investors navigate through these challenges. Among the experts set to be in attendance is Hass Consult, a company offering high-end homes for sale all over Nairobi. To demonstrate its commitment to helping investors, Hass Consult has joined Stanbic Bank as a sponsor of the EAPI Summit.

Hass Consult is bullish on Kenya’s housing market, particularly the luxury segment.

Farhana Hassanali-Hashmani, the CEO of Hass Consult, says Kenya’s luxury housing market is increasingly opening to global buyers.

“As East Africa’s economic and cultural hub, the city is increasingly attracting a global, more sophisticated consumer— one who has been exposed to premium real estate and world-class hospitality standards. This demographic, which includes a growing number of expatriates and globally mobile Kenyans, brings with it elevated expectations for quality, design, and lifestyle,” says Hassanali-Hashmani.

This global influence has translated into a significant increase in the willingness to pay for luxury and value-added amenities, says Hassanali-Hashmani.

She adds that property developers now have more latitude to invest in high-quality finishes, curated experiences, and thoughtful design that elevates not just the property, but the lifestyle it enables.

“Today, luxury is not solely about the physical asset; it’s about the entire user experience. Homeowners and investors are looking for developments that offer seamless living—from top-tier management to integrated wellness facilities and thoughtfully designed communal spaces. The emphasis on lifestyle is now central to how value is perceived and how capital growth is sustained.

“There’s a strong and growing demand for developments that offer world-class lifestyle amenities—spaces that speak to health, wellness, and fitness, all delivered through a refined user experience. Residents are looking for environments that support balance, well-being, and convenience, echoing global trends in urban living,” says Hassanali-Hashmani.

There’s also a significant shift in the demographic of buyers in the luxury housing market.

Says Hassanali-Hashmani: “Luxury is no longer confined to the older, ultra-wealthy buyer purchasing sprawling homes. We’re seeing a diverse mix of younger, aspirational buyers who are investing in compact yet premium residences—where quality, convenience, and lifestyle matter more than square footage.”

Buyers are also more environmentally conscious and are actively seeking housing developments that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and built with a responsible footprint.

Whether it is the affordable or luxury housing market, Stanbic Bank and Hass Consult remain positive about Kenya and will explore opportunities at the EAPI Summit.

The 12th East Africa Property Investment Summit meeting will take place on 7 and 8 May 2025 at Pullman, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. For more information and to book to attend the EAPI Summit visit https://EAPISummit.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events

Business

Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Coca-Cola

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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Afreximbank

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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