Headlines for Home Building News
Ghana Standards Authority Outlines Cement Standards to Enhance Construction Quality in Ghana
E. Wells Realty & Consultancy Earns Spot Among Top 100 Emerging Global Businesses
Addis Ababa and Algiers Lead as Africa’s Least Affordable Cities for Housing in 2025
E. Wells Realty & Consultancy has been nominated for the prestigious Top 100 Emerging Global Businesses 2025, a recognition of its outstanding contributions to the real estate industry.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, E. Wells Realty & Consultancy has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of professional real estate services for both Ghanaian residents and the diaspora. Under the leadership of CEO Hanna Atiase, the company has become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and integrity in the sector.
With a comprehensive range of services, including property buying, selling, and rentals, as well as property management and relocation solutions, E. Wells Realty & Consultancy continues to redefine real estate experiences for its clients.
The nomination highlights the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and further cements its position as a key player in the global real estate market.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), through the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) under the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2480), has outlined the appropriate cement types for construction to enhance structural integrity and safety. The guidelines categorize cement based on grades and specific applications, ensuring durability and efficiency in construction.
Portland Limestone Cement (32.5R) and Portland Composite Cement (32.5R) are recommended for general construction tasks such as plastering and masonry. Portland Limestone Cement (42.5R) is suitable for concrete products like blocks and pavement slabs, while Portland Limestone Cement (42.5N) is designed for ready-mixed concrete and high-rise buildings.
The strongest, Portland Limestone Cement (52.5N), is ideal for structural elements in high-rise buildings. Additionally, Masonry Cement (MC 12.5/22.5) is formulated for plastering, tiling, and screeding.
The GSA urges construction professionals to comply with these standards to prevent structural failures and promote resilient infrastructure in Ghana.
Organisers of the Real Estate Innovation and Investment Carnival have called for collaboration between governments and key stakeholders to address Nigeria’s housing deficit of 28 million units.
At a press conference in Abuja, Ayo Ogedemgbe, Chairman of Creative Sphere Limited, stressed the need for collective action to deliver high-quality, affordable housing. The inaugural event, scheduled for May 20-22 in Abuja, aims to bring together industry professionals, regulatory bodies, and investors to tackle major challenges in the sector.
Ogedemgbe identified unstable government policies, financing barriers, poverty, and bureaucratic delays as key obstacles to real estate development. He noted that the carnival will not only showcase innovative designs but also connect developers with investors interested in Nigeria’s $300 billion infrastructure opportunities.
In 2025, housing affordability remains a critical issue in several African cities as income levels fail to keep up with soaring real estate prices. According to Numbeo’s Price-to-Income Ratio (PIR), which measures apartment purchase affordability, Addis Ababa ranks as the least affordable city, with a PIR of 52.9, making homeownership nearly impossible for most residents.
Algiers follows with a PIR of 23.7, highlighting the financial burden of housing in Algeria’s capital. Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt rank third and fifth, respectively, with PIRs of 21.5 and 17.4, reflecting the high cost of housing compared to average incomes. Nairobi, Kenya, ranks fourth with a PIR of 17.5, further underscoring the challenges middle- and low-income earners face in securing affordable homes.
The lack of affordable housing in these cities forces many residents into inadequate living conditions or long commutes, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities and slowing urban development.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold-Africa Home Building News
