AI, Technology, and Capital Transform African Real Estate at PropTech Forum
Africa’s real estate sector is entering a new phase, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and targeted capital investments. The Annual Africa PropTech Forum, part of the Africa Property Investment (API) Summit, will convene on 19 September 2025 in Cape Town, gathering industry leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss these shifts.
The forum will focus on how technology is improving decision-making speed, enabling innovative property development, and increasing transparency across Africa’s diverse real estate markets. This aligns with the API Summit’s theme, “Growth through Adventure”, highlighting how technology can create operational efficiencies and open new opportunities.
Streamlining Property Transfers with Tech-Driven Platforms
Michael Lenz, CEO of TransBridj and a forum sponsor, highlights the potential of technology to simplify property transfer processes across Africa. TransBridj’s platform automates workflows, processes data in real-time, and verifies documents digitally to expedite bridging finance—a key bottleneck in many property transactions.
“Our platform offers sellers, realtors, and attorneys fast access to bridging funds by eliminating paperwork, enabling instant approvals, and ensuring secure disbursement within 24 hours,” says Lenz. This approach improves cash flow, speeds up deal closures, and provides early commission access, helping clients manage liquidity and close property deals confidently.
AI is central to TransBridj’s system, built with a modular, API-first design that allows different components—such as digital contracts and AI-driven insights—to operate independently yet effectively communicate with external data sources. Security and trust are embedded throughout, ensuring a smooth experience for all users, whether handling rural or large-scale urban transactions.
Integrating Data for Smarter Property Management
Aileen Rodel, CEO of RE-TEC Solutions, addresses the challenge of fragmented data and manual processes in African retail and commercial property management. RE-TEC’s platform consolidates tenant engagement, lease management, analytics, and reporting into one integrated system.
“In markets with varying infrastructure and system standards, our solution plugs into existing environments and standardizes processes,” Rodel explains. “This allows stakeholders to act faster, collaborate better, and rely on data-driven decisions.”
Clients have seen measurable benefits: one reported a 24% turnover increase within three months using location and shopper insights, while another recorded a 40% rise in footfall share over six months thanks to real-time competitive intelligence.
Flexible Platforms and AI Integration in Commercial Real Estate
MRI Software, a leader in commercial real estate solutions, will demonstrate its open, modular platform at the forum. The system supports AI and technology integration across diverse property types, streamlining lease administration, arrears management, and tenant communication.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town exemplifies this approach. After implementing MRI’s Property Management X platform combined with AI-powered Agora Insights, the development gained a unified, real-time overview of operations across its residential, retail, hospitality, industrial, and marine assets.
Results included reduced administrative work, faster decisions, and improved tenant experiences. MRI’s design supports multiple currencies and complex ownership structures, adapting to client needs.
Addressing common challenges like energy efficiency, aging infrastructure, and rising costs, MRI leverages AI-enhanced maintenance workflows and Internet of Things (IoT) integration. According to Waldo Marcus, MRI’s Marketing Director, “Our AI platforms help teams monitor assets better, automate routine tasks, and make real-time, data-driven decisions despite infrastructure challenges.” MRI also invests in training and strategic support to ensure smooth AI adoption for property managers and investors.
Capital Backing for PropTech Innovation
Peter Clark, Managing Partner at REdimension Capital, explains how the firm funds PropTech solutions targeting inefficiencies, ESG compliance, demand aggregation, and tenant experience improvements in Africa’s real estate sector.
“We support technologies addressing operational friction, ESG challenges, new revenue models, and AI-native analytics,” Clark says. “The focus is on reducing costs, improving revenue, managing risk, enhancing decision-making, and elevating customer experience.”
REdimension Capital provides more than money—they offer hands-on support. This includes refining product-market fit, connecting startups to landlords and occupiers, recruiting talent, and shaping market strategies. Their goal is to build interoperable, high-impact solutions across their portfolio.
Institutional Investors Embrace Technology for Core Asset Optimization
Yvette du Toit, Head of Operations at Burstone Real Estate Partners, views PropTech and AI as tools to improve transparency and efficiency in core investment strategies. “Data insights help us respond agilely to client needs, but turning intelligence into action requires people and processes,” she notes.
Burstone invests in scalable, adaptable technologies that reduce friction and simplify interactions. “We seek partners who understand real estate, drive innovation, and align tech solutions with long-term value,” du Toit adds.
Burstone also sponsors the Annual PropTech Innovation Awards, which recognize key contributions to the sector. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 18 September 2025.
The Path Ahead for African Real Estate
The upcoming Africa PropTech Forum arrives at a critical time. Advances in AI and digital platforms are meeting growing investor interest in solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges—fragmented markets, infrastructure gaps, sustainability needs, and financial inclusion.
For professionals in real estate and construction, staying informed on these developments is essential. Tech-driven platforms and strategic investments are reshaping how properties are developed, managed, and transacted across the continent.
To explore training on AI and related technologies that can enhance your expertise in this evolving field, visit Complete AI Training’s latest courses.
Your membership also unlocks:
