John H. Jones, Nareit senior vice president of government relations, delivered the keynote address at the Africa Real Estate Conference & Expo 2026 in Accra, Ghana, on Oct. 14.
Hosted by the Ghana Real Estate Professionals Association (GREPA), the conference brought together government ministers, parliamentarians, regulators, and industry and thought leaders from across Africa and around the world.
Titled “The Transformation of Global Real Estate: REITs, PropTech and the Future of Real Estate Policy,” Jones’ keynote explored mobilizing capital through REITs, the transformation of real estate through PropTech and AI, and public policies that attract real estate investment investment, protect investors, and broaden ownership.
For more than 65 years, REITs have enabled everyday investors to access income-producing real estate. Jones highlighted their potential in African markets, including Ghana, where REIT guidelines were issued in 2019, and emphasized transparency and predictable policies as foundations for growth.
In conversations with young Ghanaian real estate entrepreneurs afterward Jones reinforced the opportunity to connect ambition with capital, technology, and sound policy.