By Angela Atabo
Flora Anne, the Founder and Convener of the 2026 Africa Women in Housing and Construction (AWHC) Conference and Business Expo, says it aims to enhance gender-responsive development in Africa’s built environment.
Anne told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the conference would examine the role of housing and construction in advancing inclusive economic growth.
Anne said that the conference, themed “Work, Wealth and Worth: Redefining Work, Building Wealth, Elevating Worth in Africa’s Built Environment Inclusive” would also spotlight decent work, and gender equity across Africa.
According to her, the event is designed to contribute to broader conversations around gender-responsive development during the International Women’s Month of March.
“This is because while Africa’s housing and construction sector holds significant potential for job creation and economic expansion, women remain disproportionately excluded from access to finance, technical roles, entrepreneurship opportunities, and decision-making positions.
“Addressing these challenges requires deliberate policy engagement, institutional collaboration, and inclusive sector reforms.”
Anne explained that hosting the conference in March align with global efforts to spotlight women’s contributions to economic development.
She added that it would also address persistent gaps in access, women’s participation, and leadership within key productive sectors such as housing and construction.
According to her, AWHC’s theme reflects the interconnection between productive work, sustainable wealth creation, and human dignity, particularly for women operating across the housing and construction value chain.
The founder said that the two-day conference would bring together government policymakers, housing authorities, financial institutions, developers, professional bodies, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders from across Africa.
Anne said that discussions would focus on key areas including affordable housing finance, public-private partnerships, real estate market dynamics, technology and sustainability in construction, urban development.
She added that discussions would include women’s leadership and participation across the housing value chain.
“In addition to policy and technical sessions, the event will feature a business exhibition, showcasing building materials, construction technologies, and housing solutions relevant to Africa’s urban and development needs.
“The conference will highlight pathways for inclusive participation by encouraging collaboration between men and women in building resilient and sustainable housing systems.
“The platform is also expected to support knowledge exchange, mentorship, and engagement opportunities for emerging professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the sector,” she said.
According to Anne, outcomes from the AWHC conference are expected to contribute to national and regional conversations on housing delivery, employment generation, and gender equity, in line with the objectives of International Women’s Month.
She described AWHC as a pan African platform committed to promoting gender balance, capacity development, and inclusive participation within the housing and construction sectors.
“Through advocacy, professional engagement, and policy dialogue, AWHC supports initiatives that advance sustainable and equitable development across Africa.”
She said the 2026 AWHC would hold as part of activities marking the International Women’s Month scheduled to hold from March 16 to 17 in Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
