Hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel on 10th and 11th April 2019, the EAPI Summit will provide a transaction focused and knowledge sharing environment for 500 senior delegates from more than 20 countries as they unpack the theme: Driving Affordability and Opportunity through the Property Value Chain.
According to Rusin, the 2019 theme is an extension of the current market cycle, macroeconomic environment and 12 months of learning and deliberations around creating transaction opportunities in Affordable Housing and the broader real estate sector.
“The reality is that the cost of real estate transactions remains too high in East Africa and this is inhibiting the growth of the sector. To restore real estate as a significant driver of sustainable growth, we have to reduce the input costs of building and deepen the available sources of funding; especially as we build the foundation for more affordable housing in Kenya and East Africa,”
Taking its lead from President Kenyatta’s affordable housing agenda; EAPI’s scope is significant and sector wide. However, Rusin points to the fact that the increasing participation of leading public and private sector institutions and bodies at #EAPI2019 is evidence that confidence is returning to the market following two years of subdued performance.
In recognition of improving market sentiment, EAPI 2019 will focus on achieving six key objectives which relate to the summit’s affordability and investment agenda and thematic focus areas.
These include: design and construction; land and urban planning; finance and capital; regulatory framework and infrastructure.
“As an outcome based investment and transaction focussed conference; EAPI’S objectives are aligned to our theme and focus areas, and next year our primary objectives are to reduce the cost of construction; lower the cost of capital; unlock land for real estate development; create an enabling framework and environment for large scale property development and building the investment case for alternative asset classes and affordable housing,” said Rusin.
The emphasis on bringing the public and private sector together; is a key focus for EAPI and is one of the key differentials of the summit.
“The private sector is key to growth, but at this juncture, it’s critical that the public sector, industry bodies and the development finance institutions come together and drive transactions in the market and make the sector more attractive to local and international money,” said Rusin.
EAPI has partnered with the Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Africa Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS), Town and County Planners Associations of Kenya (TCPAK) and the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also confirmed participation.
