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Flora Ang, founder and convener of the 2026 African Women in Housing and Construction (AWHC) Conference and Business Expo, said it aims to strengthen gender-sensitive development in Africa’s built environment.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026, Mr. Ang said the conference would consider the role of housing and construction in promoting inclusive economic growth.
Anne said the conference, themed “Work, Wealth and Value: Redefining Work, Building Wealth and Improving Value in Africa’s Inclusive Built Environment”, will also focus on decent work and gender equality across Africa.
She said the event aimed to contribute to the broader conversation on gender-sensitive development during International Women’s Month in March.
“This is because while Africa’s housing and construction sector has great potential for job creation and economic expansion, women remain disproportionately excluded from access to finance, technical roles, entrepreneurial opportunities and decision-making positions.”
“Meeting these challenges requires deliberate policy engagement, institutional cooperation and comprehensive sector reform.”
Ms Ang explained that hosting the conference in March is in line with global efforts to focus on women’s contribution to economic development.
He added that it would also address persistent disparities in access, women’s participation and leadership in key productive sectors such as housing and construction.
She said the AWHC theme reflects the interconnectedness between productive work, sustainable wealth creation and human dignity, especially for women working across the housing and construction value chain.
The founders said the two-day conference would bring together government policymakers, housing authorities, financial institutions, developers, professional associations, civil society organizations and private sector stakeholders from across Africa.
Mr Ang said discussions will focus on key areas such as affordable housing finance, public-private partnerships, real estate market trends, construction technology and sustainability, and urban development.
She added that discussions would also include women’s leadership and participation across the housing value chain.
“In addition to policy and technical sessions, the event will also feature a business exhibition showcasing building materials, construction technologies and housing solutions relevant to Africa’s urban and development needs.
“This 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 SMEs operating in this field,” she said.
According to Ang, the outcomes of the AWHC conference are expected to contribute to national and regional dialogues on housing provision, job creation and gender equality, in line with the objectives of International Women’s Month.
She described the AWHC as a pan-African platform committed to promoting gender balance, capacity building and inclusive participation in the housing and construction sectors.
“AWHC supports efforts to advance sustainable and equitable development across Africa through advocacy, expert engagement, and policy dialogue.”
He said the 2026 AWHC will be held as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Month scheduled to be held from March 16 to 17 in Abuja.
Angela Atabo
