African real estate sector gears up for landmark trade fair in Canada

In a groundbreaking move set to deepen North-South cooperation, 45 real estate developers from across Africa are expected to converge in Montreal for the inaugural Real Estate, Financing, and Innovation Show (SIMMOFI 2025), scheduled for July 4–5, 2025.

The event, which will spotlight innovation and investment opportunities in the African property market, will also honour Ivory Coast’s Minister of Construction, Housing, and Urban Planning, Bruno Koné.

The announcement was made by Daniel Yoro, SIMMOFI’s Commissioner General, during a Build Expo panel in Abidjan, where both men shared the stage.

According to Yoro, Minister Koné’s recognition at SIMMOFI reflects his “transformative vision” and “tangible impact” in urban development across Côte d’Ivoire.

Under his leadership, the country has witnessed a significant acceleration of structural reforms, notably the Social Housing Programme and the introduction of the Customary Use Right Certificate (ADU), which aims to secure land tenure and reduce property disputes.

“Bruno Koné is helping position Ivory Coast as a model for sustainable and inclusive urban development in Africa,” Yoro said.

The SIMMOFI forum is designed to bring together experts, developers, investors, and policymakers to share insights and form strategic alliances.

Ivory Coast’s urbanization strategies will be on full display, particularly as African cities grapple with the dual challenge of rapid population growth and infrastructure deficits.

The event will feature exhibitions, B2B networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and conferences.

It also seeks to link African developers with Canadian institutions, including the Royal Bank, with financing and technology partnerships high on the agenda.

Minister Koné’s participation is expected to open new channels for collaboration on smart city technologies and urban resilience planning.

With delegates arriving from across Africa, SIMMOFI is set to become a flagship platform for accelerating real estate and infrastructure innovation across the continent.