Written by
February 1, 2024
We are delighted to share the exciting news of a strategic partnership between iBUILD Global and the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF) to drive transformative change in the affordable housing sector. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as we join hands in the Open Access Initiative, a groundbreaking effort that aims to revolutionize data sharing in the construction industry across Africa.
CAHF, alongside influential industry players such as Reall, FSDKenya, FSDA, AfD, and others, has been instrumental in building a robust affordable housing development information database for Africa. However, the Open Access Initiative recognizes the critical gap at the micro-level—specifically, project and fund levels. While developers, investors, and other stakeholders generate invaluable data in their operational activities, concerns about commercial value and competitive edge have limited public domain sharing.
The primary objective of the Open Access Initiative is to harness collective experiences and insights from developers and organizations invested in affordable housing. By aggregating project and fund-level data, we aim to unveil unprecedented insights into the efficiencies and challenges that shape the delivery of affordable housing. This wealth of information, once collected, will undergo thorough review and interrogation. The subsequent knowledge products will serve as a beacon, sharing key learnings to fuel market development. This initiative is a rallying call to stakeholders across the industry to contribute, collaborate, and collectively empower the future of affordable housing development.
In an era dominated by innovation, data is the cornerstone of informed decision-making. The Open Access Initiative recognizes that unlocking the full potential of the affordable housing sector requires transparency, collaboration, and a willingness to share insights. The project and fund-level data collected through this initiative will not only enhance our understanding of market dynamics but will also pave the way for targeted strategies that address challenges and bolster successes.
iBUILD has been selected to create the software for data collection and to manage the database and analytics for the initiative. We are passionate about leveraging technology and collaboration to drive positive change in the construction ecosystem and our involvement in the Open Access Initiative aligns seamlessly with our commitment to transparency, innovation, and empowering stakeholders across the construction industry. We believe that, together with CAHF and other partners, we can foster an environment where data becomes a catalyst for change and the initiation of new sustainable and affordable housing development products and solutions.
We invite all stakeholders, from developers and investors to policymakers and industry enthusiasts, to join us on this transformative journey. The Open Access Initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when collective efforts are directed towards a shared vision. By contributing to the initiative, you become a vital part of reshaping the future of affordable housing in Africa.
In the spirit of construction industry data sharing, let's embark on this collaborative venture to unlock insights, foster growth, and build a future where affordable housing is not just a goal but a reality for all. Together, we can turn data into a powerful force for positive change. Join us in this grand endeavor to further data collection and data sharing across the construction value chain.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we embark on this exciting chapter of reshaping the landscape of affordable housing in Africa.
