Investment can’t happen without information - efforts in building the data landscape for affordable housing

This presentation by Kecia Rust from the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance Africa (CAHF) at the 9th Global Affordable Housing Conference highlights the relationship between city development and financing, emphasising that cities are shaped by their financing mechanisms. Throughout Africa, diverse entities, from households to corporations, contribute to building cities every day. The focus is on understanding this dynamic to achieve the goal of delivering quality, sustainable, and affordable housing that attracts investment.

CAHF has been monitoring basic housing aspects since 2010. Over time, they have delved deeper into crucial enquiries, refining their methodologies to gain a more accurate understanding of on-the-ground realities. The exploration has involved assessing property market performance using Deeds Registry Data in South Africa and conducting benchmarking exercises with fictional Bills of Quantities (BoQs) in hypothetical developments. These efforts have aimed to test sensitivities and identify areas requiring attention.

Recently, CAHF has examined housing data landscapes in eight countries and collaborated with public sector agencies in Kenya and Nigeria to address data gaps. Kenya, in particular, possesses a rich administrative data landscape that offers valuable insights into the housing market's condition. However, much of this information remains locked in other databases or reports and would be beneficial if shared with a specific focus on housing. The presentation concludes with key next steps and high-value interventions for the future.

Abstract based directly on source.