The Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC) of the Addis Ababa University hosted the 16^th African Real Estate Society (AFRES) conference for the 1^st time here in Addis Ababa from September 5-9, 2016 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The five-day high-level conference planned to provide insight, guidance and training on developing future cities for Africans.

Themed ‘Sustainable Multi-Sectoral Real Estate Development in Emerging Economies,’ the objective of the conference was to endorse discussion on the emerging trends in the development of real estate, especially in upcoming economies; innovative strategies for harnessing the actual and talent potential of the sector and putting in place a creativity platform for sharing international best practices.

Participants noted that the conference will assist African cities and governments in securing new international investment for economic development based around commercial, retail, mixed-use and industrial real estate and infrastructure projects that will contribute to Urban Development Plans.

Mr. Joachim Dieter, Scientific Director of EiABC, stated in his welcoming speech that housing is the most fundamental of social problems especially with the current high increase in the population size of cities in emerging economies. He also remarked that the real estate sector has shown considerable growth in Ethiopia tackling the high demand for housing.

Mr. Joachim Dieter further noted that such a stage is very important in sharing experience, creating linkage with global trends and for further real estate development. He also added that the EiABC continuously stages debate for the development and economic benefit of real estate in Ethiopia.

Different research papers were presented by high profile scholars on real estate development, challenges and international trends.