Enter Africa Real Estate International (AREI), a young but powerful force rewriting the playbook for how real estate connects, grows, and evolves on the continent.
Founded in March 2022 in Nigeria by a 12-person team, AREI isn’t laying bricks or selling plots. Instead, it’s building bridges between sectors, countries, and people. Through bold, high-caliber events that merge strategy with storytelling, insight with opportunity, AREI is creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas translate into investments, and local markets meet global capital.
As a nominee for the Verto Award, AREI’s journey is a testament to what happens when you stop waiting for the market to evolve and start designing the future yourself.
“We entered the Verto award because we believe it aligns with our commitment to innovation and excellence in the real estate sector,” said the CEO,Onwuka M Onyeka. “We see this as an opportunity to gain visibility for our initiatives and connect with other like-minded professionals, he further stated
A unique platform for connection and collaboration
AREI is distinguished from other real estate players by specializing in curating platforms that bridge market gaps , through conferences, expos, and networking events, they create space for dialogue, innovation, and investment. With revenue still under the million-dollar mark, the impact of their events far exceeds their financial footprint, bringing in key players from both established markets and underrepresented regions.
The company’s impact is already visible. From Lagos to Kigali, AREI’s meticulously curated events have facilitated crucial conversations on everything from regulatory policy to green construction. The inclusion of technology, virtual participation, and real-time data tools ensures that their reach extends far beyond the event hall.
Why AREI stands out
Africa’s real estate market holds immense promise but it’s often held back by fragmented data, disconnected players, and limited investor access.
AREI is cutting through the noise with a bold, solutions-driven approach that turns barriers into building blocks for progress. Their approach includes the following:
Curated networking that counts. By hosting high-impact events that connect local talent with global capital, AREI creates more than handshakes—it sparks meaningful partnerships that power real deals.
Spotlighting hidden gems. Instead of chasing the usual markets, AREI shines a light on Africa’s overlooked regions, unlocking fresh opportunities in cities ready to rise.
Driving the green shift. From solar-powered housing to sustainable urban design, AREI’s events push eco-conscious innovation to the forefront of the real estate conversation.
Raising new voices. By actively amplifying women and youth in the sector, AREI is challenging old norms and reshaping who gets to lead the future of African real estate.
Beyond the stage. The value doesn’t end when the lights go out. AREI keeps the momentum alive through ongoing support, resources, and year-round engagement that helps ideas evolve into action.
A vision for the future
Over the next 1–3 years, AREI plans to scale by forming strategic partnerships, expanding to secondary markets across Africa, and enhancing digital engagement. From hosting more thematic events (like those on green housing or smart city planning) to developing an always-on virtual hub of real estate insights, AREI is positioning itself as a go-to ecosystem builder for the continent’s property sector.
And they’re not just thinking about growth but more importantly impact. Should they win the Verto prize, AREI plans to reinvest in educational programs focused on sustainable living and affordable housing. Funds would also go toward technological innovations that improve customer experiences and create jobs in local communities.
Partnering with Verto
AREI has already integrated Verto’s cross-border payment solution into its operations, using the platform to receive ticket payments in multiple currencies, including USD, NGN, and KSH.
“Verto has been an invaluable partner,” Onyeka said. “Its reliability and ease of use has helped us navigate international transactions efficiently, allowing us to focus on delivering quality experiences to our stakeholders.”
Ready to get started? Get in touch or create an account.
Share this article
