Cannes, France — March 2025

WAIPA had a strong presence at this year’s MIPIM 2025, the world’s leading real estate market event, hosting high-level session that brought global investment leaders together to discuss the intersection of real estate, foreign direct investment (FDI), and sustainable development.

WAIPA’s First Partner Conference: Real Estate & Foreign Direct Investment – A Two-Way Opportunity

WAIPA hosted its inaugural Partner Conference at MIPIM, focusing on the theme “Real Estate & Foreign Direct Investment: A Two-Way Opportunity.”

The session gathered top-tier speakers including:

  • Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director & CEO, WAIPA
  • James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board, World Investment Conference
  • Aida Feriz, Executive Director, WIMMER FAMILY OFFICE LTD
  • Arnar Guðmundsson, Head, Invest in Iceland
  • Wojciech Tyborowski, Director, Invest in Pomerania

Moderated by Courtney Fingar, Senior Advisor at WAIPA, the panel delivered key insights into how real estate acts as a catalyst for FDI and economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Real estate remains a powerful driver of FDI, influencing economic growth, infrastructure development, and long-term investor confidence.
  • Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) are crucial in connecting international capital with real estate opportunities. However, there is a need to increase investor awareness of the valuable services IPAs provide.
  • IPAs must evolve to effectively engage with institutional and financial investors, understanding their requirements and offering tailored support.

WAIPA CEO Ismail Ersahin opened the session by stressing the strategic role of IPAs in ensuring transparency, fostering investor confidence, and facilitating sustainable real estate investments.

“IPAs are not only facilitators but strategic connectors, ensuring transparency, building investor confidence, and aligning international capital with local real estate opportunities.”
— Ismail Ersahin, WAIPA CEO & Executive Director

Speakers also emphasized the importance of collaboration between real estate developers, IPAs, and policymakers to ensure investments align with regional development goals, especially in emerging markets.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

  •  Real estate remains a powerful catalyst for FDI, enhancing a location’s attractiveness and contributing to sustainable growth.
  • Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) play a central role, yet many investors are still unaware of the full scope of IPA support — highlighting the need for increased visibility.
  • IPAs must become adept at engaging institutional and financial investors, aligning their strategies with the evolving global investment landscape.

African Real Estate Panel:

Navigating Sustainability and Urbanisation

In a separate session at MIPIM 2025, WAIPA’s CEO Ismail Ersahin participated in the panel discussion titled:
“African Real Estate – Navigating Sustainability and Urbanisation.”

As African cities experience rapid urbanization, this panel tackled the challenge of aligning sustainability objectives with investor expectations.

Panelists included:

  • Eng Khaled Abbas – Administrative Capital For Urban Development – ACUD
  • David Damiba – Kasada Capital Management
  • Ismail Ersahin – WAIPA
  • Somaya Joshua – Absa Corporate and Investment Banking
  • Samuel Kariuki – Mi Vida Thika Road Limited
  • Nawale Saoud – JLL | Morocco Green Building Council
  • Moderator: Patricia Rodrigues, Control Risks

The engaging discussion covered everything from financing mechanisms to public-private partnerships, offering actionable insights on how to ensure Africa’s real estate boom is both sustainable and ready for investment.

“Sustainability is no longer just an aspiration — it’s a requirement for investment. IPAs play a crucial role in connecting projects with the right investors, ensuring they are bankable, climate-resilient, and meet global sustainability standards. By advocating for de-risking policies and fostering partnerships, IPAs help turn sustainability goals into investment opportunities,” highlighted Mr. Ersahin.

Panelists emphasized how IPAs can bridge the gap between government sustainability ambitions and investor needs, unlocking opportunities in Africa’s burgeoning real estate sector.

WAIPA continues to equip IPAs with the tools and insights they need to bridge the gap between sustainability goals and investor needs, paving the way for a future where sustainable investment in Africa thrives.