7-9 September 2011, Johannesburg, South Africa

As a tool for building effective demand for housing, housing finance arises out of the interplay between the housing market and the financial market. The housing market includes the supply of housing (whether for ownership or rental) in both the primary and resale markets, and this depends on the availability of land and infrastructure for housing development, suitable urban housing policies, functioning property markets and, in the case of mortgage markets specifically, a functioning deeds registry. The ability to provide housing finance is determined by the financial market and how it operates within the broader, macroeconomic framework of a country or region, the risk management practices and requirements that prevail, various balance sheet constraints (influenced by both national and international fiscal policy, as well as by bank strategy), functioning property markets and foreclosure potential, investor interest and competing asset classes, and market infrastructure (Walley, 2011). Together, these factors create the environment in which housing finance can be offered, and this in turn creates the effective demand for housing which itself drives the housing market and frames, in part, the housing interests of the financial market.

As Africa sits poised for economic growth, how can the these ingredients be orchestrated to facilitate growth in the housing finance market, and what can housing finance practitioners do strengthen their position? These questions frame the agenda of the annual conference of the African Union for Housing Finance. The AUHF Annual Conference will bring together investors, banks, development finance institutions, pension funds, housing development companies, and other housing sector practitioners to consider the opportunities for housing finance markets in Africa.Taking place in Sandton, South Africa, from 6-9 September 2011, the AUHF Conference will explore the ingredients for growth in housing finance in Africa, and will identify opportunities for increased participation by housing finance sector practitioners. The Conference will be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the AUHF, where a focused programme of action will be developed so that the body can represent its members’ interests in various policy and other forums throughout the year.

As a tool for building effective demand for housing, housing finance arises out of the interplay between the housing market and the financial market. The housing market includes the supply of housing (whether for ownership or rental) in both the primary and resale markets, and this depends on the availability of land and infrastructure for housing development, suitable urban housing policies, functioning property markets and, in the case of mortgage markets specifically, a functioning deeds registry. The ability to provide housing finance is determined by the financial market and how it operates within the broader, macroeconomic framework of a country or region, the risk management practices and requirements that prevail, various balance sheet constraints (influenced by both national and international fiscal policy, as well as by bank strategy), functioning property markets and foreclosure potential, investor interest and competing asset classes, and market infrastructure (Walley, 2011). Together, these factors create the environment in which housing finance can be offered, and this in turn creates the effective demand for housing which itself drives the housing market and frames, in part, the housing interests of the financial market.

As Africa sits poised for economic growth, how can the these ingredients be orchestrated to facilitate growth in the housing finance market, and what can housing finance practitioners do strengthen their position? These questions frame the agenda of the annual conference of the African Union for Housing Finance. The AUHF Annual Conference will bring together investors, banks, development finance institutions, pension funds, housing development companies, and other housing sector practitioners to consider the opportunities for housing finance markets in Africa.Taking place in Sandton, South Africa, from 6-9 September 2011, the AUHF Conference will explore the ingredients for growth in housing finance in Africa, and will identify opportunities for increased participation by housing finance sector practitioners. The Conference will be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the AUHF, where a focused programme of action will be developed so that the body can represent its members’ interests in various policy and other forums throughout the year.

Stimulating local financial investments in neighbourhood economies, infrastructure & home improvement
by Bonnie Hewson- Chief Urban Finance branch, UN Habitat
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Opportunities and Challenges facing investors in Africa
by Pamela Lamoreaux- International Housing Solutions
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Key issues facing investors in Africa
by Gerhard Engel- FMO
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Sub Saharan Africa Capital Markets
by Konrad Ruess- S&P Johannesburg
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Financing Africa: Key issues for the Housing Finance Sector
by Samuel Maimbo- Lead financial sector specialist, Africa World Bank
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Regulatory, Policy and supply issues in Housing Finance in Africa
by Kecia Rust- FinMark Trust, Centre for Affordable Housing Finance
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Grasping Opportunities: the four A’s to advance housing and housing finance markets in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Friedemann Roy- Senior Housing Finance Specialist, World Bank
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Growth, Urbanisation and Affordability
by Yusuf Patel- Basil Read
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Developments in Kenya
by Frank Ireri – Housing Finance Kenya
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Opportunities for the supply of affordable housing
by Arnold Meyer- Renaissance Partners
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Developments in Nigeria
by Roland Igbinoba- CEO Pison Housing Company
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Access to housing finance in South Africa: A review of the past 5 years
by Illana Melzer- Eighty20
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Defining access to housing finance in Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia
by Illana Melzer- Eighty20
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Borrower education: opportunities for a collaborative approach
by Rosemarie Sabatino- CHF International
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Shelter Afrique: offering housing finance across Africa
by Bishige Kahumbya- Shelter Afrique
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Infrastructure and Housing: the implications of islands of service
by Michael Kihato- Consultant
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Developments in Tanzania: the emergence and work of the Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company
by Rished Bade- CEO at Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company
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Housing Microfinance: a growing opportunity with unique partnerships to serve lower down market
by Sean O Sullivan- Select Africa
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lHousing Microfinance: a growing opportunity with unique partnerships to serve lower down market
by Ezekiel Esipisu- Habitat for Humanity International
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