A recent study by Owotemu, A. E., & Ibaru, A. (2025) titled “Technological Transformation in Infrastructure & Real Estate: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain (DLT), Project Management & Policy Implications across Leading Markets in Africa (Egypt, South-Africa & Nigeria)” published in the American Journal of Industrial and Business Management reveals that AI and blockchain technologies are significantly transforming the housing, infrastructure, and real estate sectors across Africa.
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AI and Blockchain are transforming Africa’s housing and infrastructure sectors by enhancing efficiency, affordability, sustainability, and inclusive real estate access.– Owotemu, A. E., & Ibaru, A. 2025
The study focuses on the transformative impact of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technology) in infrastructure, real estate, and housing finance across Africa—specifically in Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria. It examines how AI improves operational efficiency, enhances project management, and addresses challenges like housing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. Key innovations explored include predictive analytics, generative AI, and computer vision.
The research highlights AI applications such as automated credit scoring, property valuation using blockchain, and urban planning tools for building sustainable communities. It presents case studies of platforms like HouseAfrica and Empowa, which leverage technology to streamline real estate transactions and offer affordable housing. While the study underscores the economic potential of these advancements, it also addresses ethical considerations such as data bias, job displacement, and the need for transparent and inclusive policies.
How the Study was Conducted
The authors adopted a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies on the housing, infrastructure, and real estate sectors in Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.
Data Collection Strategy
The research drew on both secondary and primary data sources. Secondary data comprised over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, 50 industry reports, government policies, and macroeconomic datasets spanning 2019 to 2023. These sources provided critical insights into the evolving trends and implications of AI and blockchain in housing finance, infrastructure development, and project management. In addition, surveys were administered to key stakeholders in the housing and real estate sectors. These surveys yielded both qualitative and quantitative data, capturing perspectives on AI adoption, accessibility of housing finance, and broader sectoral changes.
Analytical Framework
To interpret the qualitative data, thematic and content analysis techniques were applied, enabling the identification of recurring trends, barriers, and emerging opportunities linked to the integration of AI and blockchain. On the quantitative front, multiple regression models were employed to examine the relationship between AI adoption, housing finance accessibility, and affordability. The models controlled for relevant variables such as GDP growth rates and national housing policies to ensure precision.
Sample Scope and Regional Focus
Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa were selected due to their pioneering roles in AI implementation on the continent. The selection was informed by their technological infrastructure, regulatory readiness, and prominence in African real estate markets.
Ensuring Validity and Reliability
To maintain the integrity of the study, the authors sourced data from reputable and authoritative platforms. Construct validity was reinforced by the use of clearly defined variables such as AI adoption rates and housing affordability indices. Triangulation of data sources enhanced the study’s reliability and reduced potential bias.
What the Authors Found
AI and blockchain technologies are significantly transforming the housing, infrastructure, and real estate sectors across Africa—especially in Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa—by improving housing accessibility, streamlining property transactions, enhancing operational efficiency, promoting sustainability, and contributing to economic growth, while also presenting ethical and social challenges that require responsible governance.
Why is this important
Economic Impact: AI and blockchain technologies have the potential to revolutionize housing finance and infrastructure, potentially adding up to $1.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030. These innovations foster efficiency, trust, and transparency in transactions while also streamlining project management.
Tackling Housing Deficits: Affordable housing remains a pressing issue in Africa, with many people unable to access adequate housing finance due to traditional credit models. AI-driven tools can create inclusive credit systems for underserved populations, addressing housing affordability and accessibility challenges.
Sustainability and Green Practices: By promoting sustainable development through AI and certifications like EDGE, this study aligns technology with environmental goals. Sustainable urban planning helps create more resilient and eco-friendly communities.
Empowering Policymakers: The study provides insights into how AI and Blockchain can be integrated responsibly, highlighting the importance of transparent, ethical policies to avoid data biases and job displacement while ensuring inclusivity.
Driving Innovation and Skills Development: Africa’s growing tech ecosystem stands to benefit from the adoption of advanced AI technologies, offering opportunities for workforce upskilling and the creation of new tech-driven roles.
What the Authors Recommended
- The authors recommend that governments should develop policies that encourage equitable access to housing finance and real estate opportunities. This includes adopting AI models that consider alternative data sources for underserved populations, such as utility payments.
- Stakeholders should implement regulations to minimize risks such as data bias, privacy issues, and job displacement caused by AI adoption. Transparency and accountability are critical for responsible technology deployment.
- The authors advocate that there’s a need for targeted training programs to upskill workers and equip them with expertise in AI, blockchain, and related technologies to prevent job displacement and foster innovation.
- Real estate firms and financial institutions should adopt AI-driven tools like predictive analytics and generative AI to improve housing affordability and accessibility, and platforms like HouseAfrica and Empowa should be scaled up to streamline land title verification and real estate transactions, reducing fraud and inefficiencies.
- Incorporate AI tools to support sustainable urban planning and green certifications, such as EDGE, ensuring environmentally friendly housing solutions.
- AI and blockchain innovations should be tailored to meet the specific challenges and needs of African countries, recognizing regional variations in infrastructure, regulation, and demand.
- Collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and technology providers is vital to foster innovation, drive investment, and scale technological adoption and continuous research is necessary to evaluate the long-term impacts of AI and Blockchain adoption and to identify emerging opportunities and challenges.
In conclusion, the study by Owotemu and Ibaru underscores the transformative potential of AI and blockchain technologies in revolutionizing Africa’s housing, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. By enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, these innovations address longstanding challenges such as affordability and sustainability while opening doors to economic growth and technological advancement. However, realizing their full potential requires proactive policymaking, ethical considerations, inclusive frameworks, and continued collaboration among governments, private sectors, and tech innovators. As Africa strides into a digitally enabled future, the integration of AI and blockchain offers a powerful pathway toward smarter, more equitable, and resilient urban development.
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