17th I.H.S Affordable Housing Conference

3 September 2025

Nedbank CIB hosts 17th annual conference in conjunction with IHS, the leading fund and property manager in the affordable housing sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

The 17th Annual IHS Affordable Housing Conference explores the evolving landscape of housing in South Africa, where innovation, investment, and impact converge.

This year’s theme − 'Foundations for the future: Housing the new world' − frames a day of insight, strategy, and bold thinking, shaping tomorrow’s communities.

From bold developments to green leadership and inclusive design, the day’s conversations reflect a sector in transformation. More than just a meeting of ideas, the conference is a collective effort to drive meaningful change and reshape the housing landscape for generations to come.

It’s a moment to align, reflect, and act − laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient future.

 

Key themes shaping the discussion

Panel 1

Panel 1

4 ways to build a future


From converted office blocks in Illovo to greenfield megaprojects like Lion Pride, four radically different development models will be unpacked by the panel, each with lessons in scale, delivery, and innovation. Developers take the mic to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how these case studies can inspire a housing future.

Panel 2

Panel 2

From cautious to committed


SA’s biggest institutional investors are no longer on the sidelines; they’re in the trenches, funding housing. But what are their deal-breakers and what do developers need to change to keep them at the table?

Panel 3

Panel 3

She builds green

 

From climate-smart buildings to equity-led boardrooms, these women aren’t just leading in green development; they’re defining it. This panel spotlights the intersection of gender and sustainability in shaping the future of property.

Panel 4

Panel 4

Beyond the build

 

The value of housing doesn’t end at the brickwork. From early childhood education and SME upliftment to wellness and community design, this panel explores how developers and investors are driving social impact that’s real, visible, and measurable.

Justice Malala

Keynote speaker

JP Landman 

JP Landman is one of South Africa’s most respected analysts on political and economic trends, with a career spanning over 2 decades at the intersection of policy, finance, and future studies. As a former adviser to both the Presidency and the National Planning Commission, he brings a sharp, independent lens to the forces shaping South Africa’s socio-economic trajectory. His international experience, including a fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington DC, adds global perspective to his local insight.

 

At this year’s IHS Affordable Housing Conference, JP will challenge delegates to think beyond the immediate and consider the long-term demographic, political, and economic shifts that will define housing in the new world.

Insights

This year’s gathering brings together developers, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the future of affordable housing in South Africa. From bold new builds and transformative finance models, to green leadership and community upliftment, the sessions dive deep into what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next.

Get ready for fresh ideas, real stories, and powerful conversations that are shaping the housing landscape.

 

IHS Affordable Housing Conference - 2025

This year’s gathering brings together developers, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the future of affordable housing in South Africa.

16th I.H.S Affordable Housing Conference

30 October 2024

Join us as we navigate the current climate and forge a path through these complexities.

The affordable housing sector in South Africa is at a critical juncture, offering exciting opportunities in what’s forecasted to be a more positive economic environment, yet still facing significant challenges. While economic pressures have driven up costs, innovative financing models and technological advancements offer pathways to make housing more accessible and cost-effective.

International Housing Solutions and Nedbank CIB will navigate the future together on the 30th October at the 16th I.H.S Affordable Housing Conference. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, we aim to explore and harness these opportunities, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for affordable housing in South Africa. 

Panel topics

Panel 1

Panel 1

Goldmine or gold dust?

Johannesburg’s CBD is at a turning point. Will it thrive or stall? Join our panellists as they dive into strategies to transform Jozi’s downtown into a vibrant urban hub. The private sector is ready to collaborate with government to map out the challenges, opportunities, and initiatives needed to steer the revival of the CBD toward a sustainable future.

Panel 2

Panel 2

Innovation in affordable residential property

The future of living is being redesigned. Our panellists will explore the game-changing innovations reshaping residential property, from smart tech to sustainable design. We’ll cut through the buzzwords to reveal the breakthroughs driving the next wave of living spaces, setting the course for homes that think as smart as they look.

Panel 3

Panel 3

Women leading in residential property

These women aren’t just shaping real estate; they’re rewriting its blueprint. Our all-woman panel will highlight how these leaders are breaking barriers and redrawing the lines of residential property.

Panel 4

Panel 4

The tipping point of water – navigating the edge of scarcity

Water is the pulse of urban life. Join our panellists as they navigate innovation and strategies to keep our city’s taps flowing, highlighting the brewing water crisis that could rival the impact of the electricity crisis.

Justice Malala

Keynote speaker

Justice Malala

Justice is one of South Africa’s most esteemed political analysts, known for his insightful commentary and sharp analysis. With his extensive experience as a writer, speaker and advisor to major financial institutions, Justice will provide a unique perspective on the intersection of politics, economics and housing in today’s environment. His latest book, We Have Not Begun Our Descent, was a national bestseller, and he brings his deep understanding of South Africa’s socio-political landscape to our conference.

Insights

 

IHS Affordable Housing Conference - Khayise Mashifane

Khayise Mashifane speaks to Nedbank Property Finances’ commitment to the affordable housing sector and partnership with the IHS.

IHS Affordable Housing Conference - Rob Wesselo

Rob Wesselo of International Housing Solutions discusses the upcoming 16th IHS Affordable Housing Conference with an exciting line up of speakers.

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