Dear Esteemed Members of the African Real Estate Society (AfRES),

It is with great humility, honour, and a deep sense of responsibility that I extend my warm greetings to the entire AfRES fraternity as we begin the year 2026, with me serving as President of the African Real Estate Society for the 2025–2027 term.

I am sincerely grateful for the confidence and trust you have placed in me to serve our esteemed Society during this important phase of its growth and consolidation. AfRES has, over the years, distinguished itself as the premier platform for advancing real estate research, education, policy dialogue, and professional collaboration across Africa and beyond.

At the outset, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the immediate past President, the entire AfRES Executive Board, and all AfRES Board Members for their exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to the Society. Their collective efforts have significantly strengthened AfRES’s institutional foundations, enhanced its regional and international standing, and positioned the Society for sustained growth and relevance. I am privileged to build upon the strong legacy they leave behind.

As we look ahead, the coming period presents both significant opportunities and responsibilities. We shall continue to strengthen AfRES as a thought leader in African real estate markets, promote high-quality research and knowledge exchange, support vibrant chapter activities, and deepen engagement with policymakers, industry, and global partners. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues shaping our continent, including sustainable urbanisation, infrastructure-led development, affordable housing, climate resilience, and innovation in real estate practice.

I wish to commend all AfRES chapters for their ongoing activities and steadfast dedication to advancing the Society’s mission at regional and national levels. I also extend special appreciation to the teams working tirelessly towards the successful organisation of the 25th AfRES Annual Conference, scheduled for 8–11 September 2026 in Kampala, Uganda. This milestone conference, which coincides with the 25th Anniversary of AfRES, will be a historic moment for reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment. We further look forward to hosting the Board Meeting of the International Real Estate Society (IRES) during this landmark event.

I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to our traditional and long-standing sponsors and partners for their unwavering support of AfRES activities over the years. In particular, I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the IRE|BS Foundation for African Real Estate Research, Henley Business School, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your continued partnership has been instrumental in advancing AfRES’s research agenda, capacity-building initiatives, and continental impact.

I look forward to working closely with the AfRES Executive Board, chapter leadership, members, sponsors, and partners as we collectively advance the AfRES vision over the 2025–2027 period. Together, let us strengthen AfRES as a truly pan-African and globally respected real estate knowledge community.

I wish you all a productive, collaborative, and impactful journey ahead.