Advice and Opinion Interview

Interview with Saul Gumede, CEO, Dijalo Property Group, South Africa

Which African country will provide the best opportunity for investors in 2015, and why?

Although the focus remains strongly on Ghana , Nigeria and Kenya, there is growing interest for Mozambique ( driven by gas exploration , and Zambia ( mining ) . Investors are also starting to consider opportunities in Rwanda , although it remains a small market . The retailing opportunities across the continent remain considerable and retailers are taking a strong look at secondary mining towns.

Which new or upcoming real estate project do you see as the most interesting in Sub-Saharan Africa?

There are a number of large development projects across the continent which have the potential to alter the structure of entire towns . These for example include Tatu Village in Kenya and Eko Atalantic In Lagos . There are also a few significant developments in South Africa such as the mixed use Waterfall City development and the Modderfontein City development.

Which sub-sector[s] are you most bullish about in 2015, and why? (give examples if appropriate).

The growth of the African middle class is expected to continue providing opportunities across the continent. The continent remains undershopped. A growing middle class is also expected to continue to underpin the demand for housing. This also offers mixed use and mixed income development opportunities.

 


Interview by: Global Real Estate Institute (GRI) – February 2015

GRI is a global club of leading investors, developers and lenders active in Real Estate. For the last 17 years, they have been bringing together the world’s CEOs, Heads of Real Estate & Chairmen, head to head in informal discussions where they engage and brainstorm about the latest trends of the market, leaving each event with confirmed purpose and new partners.

The 3rd annual Africa GRI conference will be taking place in Johannesburg on 21st – 22nd April 2015.

More info and Brochure