Citra’s Development Director, Cheryl Hillman, recently facilitated an important discussion at the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) Annual Conference 2024, themed “Building to Last: Realising a Sustainable and Affordable Housing Sector in Africa and Beyond.” The discussion focused on the mainstreaming of alternative building technologies.

As panel moderator, Cheryl Hillman interviewed representatives from three companies implementing alternative building methods for affordable housing across Africa. The discussion explored the environmental benefits, construction speed, and cost advantages of these materials, before addressing key industry challenges. These challenges include acceptance from both the market and regulatory bodies, including the complex process of securing building code certifications.

The conversation also highlighted the need for enhanced government support, particularly in funding research and development of alternative building technologies that could accelerate affordable housing delivery across Africa.

The AUHF Annual Conference provided a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge about alternative building technologies and their potential to address Africa’s housing challenges.