Headlines for PE News
CBG Branch Manager to speak at African Housing Show UK 2025 on the theme “Private Sector Role in Advancing Sustainable Construction in a 24-Hour Economy.”
Edward Maloney, MD of Constromart Africa, calls for urgent reforms to boost infrastructure development at the subnational level in Africa
Germany Moves to Extend Rent Controls Amid Deepening Housing Crisis
Alberta Doh-Brown, Branch Manager of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), will speak at the African Housing Show UK 2025 on the theme “Private Sector Role in Advancing Sustainable Construction in a 24-Hour Economy.”
Her participation highlights the growing role of financial institutions in supporting sustainable building and round-the-clock economic models. Representing one of Ghana’s leading banks, Alberta is expected to share insights on how CBG’s growth and innovation can help drive inclusive development in the construction and housing sectors across Africa.
Edward Maloney, Managing Director of Constromart Africa, has called for urgent reforms to boost infrastructure development at the subnational level in Africa. In an interview with PE Group, he identified major challenges such as limited technical capacity, weak project preparation, and lack of sustainable financing. He urged state governments to build revenue streams through property taxes, PPPs, and enhanced technical training.
Maloney praised initiatives by the Office of the Vice President, including PEBEC, for improving the investment environment. He highlighted the importance of clear land systems, efficient procurement, and consistent project execution in building investor confidence. He described blended and results-based financing as transformative for states with limited funds and emphasized the need to empower local governments with autonomy and capacity-building.
He strongly advocated intergovernmental collaboration, adoption of digital tools, and three key reforms: developing human capital, early-stage project preparation, and granting LGAs financial independence to attract private capital and drive development.
A workshop on “Self-Build Housing and Economic Growth” was held in Accra to address Ghana’s housing challenges. Organised by CDD-Ghana, the London School of Economics, the Economic and Social Research Council, and the University of Ghana, it brought together participants from ministries, academia, and civil society.
Professor George Owusu of ISSER urged government regulation of informal self-build housing to prevent structural failures. He emphasized that poor urban planning has had more harmful effects than illegal mining and called on local authorities to support affordable housing. The research revealed that over 90% of Ghana’s homes are self-built, with formal
Germany is grappling with a significant housing crisis, prompting the government to propose extending rent control laws through 2029. Initially introduced in 2015, these laws cap new rental prices in urban areas at no more than 10% above local comparable rates. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig emphasized that housing should not become a luxury.
The extension aims to address rising housing costs amid a shortage exacerbated by an influx of immigrants from Ukraine and Syria. However, the property industry, including major players like Vonovia and the ZIA industry association, opposes the move, arguing it discourages investment and hampers new construction.
In 2024, only 251,900 apartments were completed—14.4% fewer than in 2023 and well below the government’s annual target of 400,000 units. To meet demand, Germany needs to construct 320,000 new apartments annually by 2030.
Source: Joycelyn Marigold -African Property Magazine
