Kigali, Rwanda – In a groundbreaking move to reshape the global property landscape, the Nation Association of Realtors (NAR) has launched its inaugural Regional Real Estate Summit, bringing together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors from across continents.
Hosted under the theme “Elevating Global Standards: A New Era for Real Estate,” the summit served as a catalyst for transformative dialogue on ethics, innovation, and inclusive growth in property markets. With hundreds in attendance, the event underscored a growing demand for strategic partnerships and integrity-driven practices across borders.
Raising the Bar on Professionalism
Delivering a rousing keynote, NAR President-elect Kevin Brown urged industry players to view real estate not just as business, but as a social pillar driving economic empowerment and family stability. “This is serious work,” Brown declared. “It’s time we raise the standards of ethics, education, and engagement across the board.”
He stressed that the future of real estate lies in a disciplined, well-trained workforce that prioritizes trust and fairness in all transactions. Brown also advocated for greater outreach to marginalized communities, noting that equitable access to housing must be a shared goal.
A Continent United in Purpose
The summit attracted strong African representation, including Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, who led her national delegation. Her presence reinforced the urgency of harmonizing property regulations and infrastructure planning across African states.
Expert panels explored emerging market opportunities, global investment flows, and smart housing solutions tailored to regional contexts. Among the featured voices were Frank Oti, NAR’s Global Ambassador to key African countries; Gbenga Ismail, Vice Chair of AEAN; and Alireza Memar, Global Coordinator to Africa and the Middle East — all of whom emphasized innovation as the cornerstone for real estate’s future.
Training, Tech, and Transparency Take Center Stage
Industry veterans such as Dr. Adeniyi Tinubu and John Gormley delivered a compelling message: Adapt or be left behind. Their call to action centered on strengthening professional development through certification, tech adoption, and cross-border data transparency.
“The summit isn’t just symbolic,” said Dr. Tinubu. “It’s a call to reimagine how we operate, collaborate, and grow in this increasingly interconnected world.”
A Symbolic New Dawn
Beyond discussions, the event celebrated excellence with formal award presentations and the official decoration of professionals with the prestigious NAR pin — a symbolic commitment to global standards of excellence.
With new alliances forged and strategies outlined, the Regional Summit set the tone for a reinvigorated real estate sector — one defined by trust, inclusion, and global cooperation.
As NAR charts new terrain in the international real estate sphere, the message from Kigali is clear: the era of isolated markets is over. A united front is not only ideal — it is essential.
