In a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, innovative leaders are redefining the way we think about development, sustainability, and community building. One such visionary is Kafama T. Umaru, CEO of Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited, a pioneering real estate company that’s pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly development, smart cities, and affordable housing.
In this insightful interview with The North journals Aminu Adamu, Umaru Kafama Thingin, the Chief Executive Officer of Kafansy mega Gatway Property Limited shares his perspectives on the future of real estate, the importance of sustainability, and the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Let’s dive into his thoughts and experiences.
As a pioneer in sustainable real estate, what drives your passion for eco-friendly developments, and how do you see this shaping the industry’s future?
What drives my passion for eco-friendly developments is the belief that the spaces we build today must serve both people and the planet tomorrow. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Real estate has a massive environmental footprint, but that also means we have a huge opportunity—and obligation—to lead the change.
Sustainable developments go beyond energy efficiency; they create healthier communities, reduce long-term costs, and align with what modern buyers and tenants are actively seeking. I see the future of real estate being shaped by climate-resilient design, renewable energy integration, and circular building practices. As regulations tighten and awareness grows, sustainable real estate won’t just be a niche—it’ll be the standard. And that shift excites me, because it proves that profitability and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
How does Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited approach urban renewal projects, and what impact do you hope to have on local communities?
At Kafansy, our approach to urban renewal is rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term value creation. We don’t just redevelop spaces—we reimagine them with the goal of revitalizing entire communities. Each project begins with deep engagement: we listen to local voices, assess socio-economic dynamics, and design solutions that address both immediate needs and future aspirations.
Our impact goes beyond physical transformation. We aim to stimulate local economies, improve infrastructure, and create spaces where people can live, work, and thrive. Whether it’s introducing mixed-use developments, affordable housing, or green public spaces, our focus is on creating lasting change that empowers communities and preserves cultural identity.
We believe urban renewal should be a partnership—with local stakeholders, government, and the private sector—working together to turn neglected spaces into vibrant, resilient hubs of opportunity.
Can you share some examples of successful smart city initiatives that Kafansy has implemented or plans to implement in its projects?
Smart city integration is a cornerstone of our development strategy. We’re committed to leveraging technology to build more efficient, responsive, and livable urban environments. One of our flagship initiatives includes the integration of smart infrastructure.
In one of our recent projects, we piloted a digital property management system that gives residents real-time access to utilities monitoring, maintenance requests, and community updates.
Looking ahead, we’re working on implementing solar microgrids, green building automation.
Our goal is to lead by example—demonstrating how smart technologies can transform urban living, improve quality of life, and contribute to the broader sustainability agenda.
What role do you think affordable housing plays in creating sustainable communities, and how is Kafansy addressing this critical issue?
Affordable housing is a fundamental pillar of sustainable communities. Without it, we can’t achieve true social equity, economic diversity, or long-term urban resilience. At Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited, we view affordable housing not as a challenge, but as an opportunity—to uplift lives, bridge economic gaps, and ensure that every individual has access to safe, dignified living conditions.
Our approach focuses on integrating affordable housing into larger, mixed-income developments to prevent socio-economic segregation. We prioritize cost-efficient, eco-friendly construction methods, partner with government bodies and explore innovative financing models to make home ownership and rental more accessible.
By doing this, we’re not just building homes—we’re creating environments where families can grow, local businesses can thrive, and communities can flourish. We believe that sustainable urban growth is only possible when everyone has a place in it.
How do you balance innovation with practicality in your approach to real estate development, ensuring that projects are both cutting-edge and feasible?
At Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited, we see innovation and practicality as complementary forces rather than opposing ones. Our development philosophy is rooted in smart innovation—where every new idea or technology must serve a clear purpose, enhance functionality, and be scalable within the realities of the market.
We start by identifying real-world challenges—such as energy inefficiency, housing shortages, or infrastructure gaps—and then apply innovative solutions that are cost-effective, locally adaptable, and backed by data. Whether it’s using sustainable building materials, integrating smart city features, or adopting modular construction techniques, every decision is made with a balance of long-term vision and present-day feasibility.
We also collaborate closely with engineers, local authorities, and end-users to stress-test ideas before implementation. This ensures we’re not just chasing trends, but delivering projects that are progressive, resilient, and economically sound.
Ultimately, innovation must improve lives and make good business sense—and that’s the balance we strive for in every project.
What sets Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited apart from other real estate companies in terms of its commitment to sustainability and innovation?
Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited distinguishes itself in the Nigerian real estate sector through a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation. Our approach is characterized by the integration of eco-friendly construction practices, the use of sustainable materials, and the incorporation of advanced technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact. This dedication aligns with global trends in green building, where developers are increasingly adopting energy-efficient designs and sustainable construction methods to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious living spaces.
In the broader context of Nigeria’s real estate industry, several companies have been recognized for their sustainable initiatives. For instance, African Capital Alliance’s development of the Cornerstone Tower in Lagos achieved EDGE certification, incorporating climate-smart features that resulted in significant energy and water savings. Similarly, Wisdom Kwati Smart City emphasizes green living and smart technology, integrating solar energy solutions and advanced waste recycling systems into their developments. These examples highlight a growing industry trend towards sustainability, positioning companies like Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited as key contributors to this positive shift.
How do you foster a culture of creativity and excellence within your organization, and what values do you prioritize in your leadership approach?
I want to foster a culture of creativity and excellence within my organization, where i will focus on the following:Encouraging Open Communication: Employees should feel safe sharing ideas without fear of criticism. Open dialogue sparks innovation.
Empowering Teams: Giving team members ownership of their work builds confidence and drives them to excel.
Rewarding Innovation: Recognizing and rewarding creative solutions or outstanding performance reinforces a culture of excellence.
Providing Continuous Learning Opportunities: Access to training, mentorship, and development programs keeps minds sharp and encourages growth.
Leading by Example: Leaders who demonstrate integrity, dedication, and creativity set the tone for the rest of the team.
What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in implementing sustainable development practices in the real estate industry, and how have you overcome them?
Implementing sustainable development practices in the real estate industry often comes with several significant challenges. Here are some of the most common ones—and how they are typically addressed:
Higher Upfront Costs
Sustainable building materials, energy-efficient systems, and green certifications can increase initial project costs.
Developers often offset these costs by highlighting long-term savings (e.g., lower utility bills, reduced maintenance), leveraging green financing options, or accessing government incentives.
Regulatory and Policy Barriers
Inconsistent or outdated zoning laws, building codes, or lack of incentives can hinder sustainable development.
Engaging with policymakers, advocating for regulatory reforms, and staying proactive about changes in green building standards can help navigate this.
Lack of Awareness or Buy-In
Some stakeholders—clients, investors, or even contractors—might not fully understand the value of sustainable practices.
Educating stakeholders about the long-term benefits (financial, environmental, and reputational), and demonstrating successful case studies can help shift perspectives.
Supply Chain and Technology Gaps
Access to sustainable materials or green tech can be limited, especially in developing regions.
Building strong supplier networks, investing in local sustainable materials, and staying up to date with innovations can ease implementation.
Looking ahead, what trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of real estate, and how is Kafansy positioned to capitalize on these developments?
Looking ahead, several key trends are set to shape the future of real estate, and companies like Kafansy have a significant opportunity to capitalize on them—especially if they’re agile and tech-forward. Here’s a breakdown:
Key Trends in Real Estate
Digital Transformation & PropTech
The integration of AI, VR, blockchain, and big data is transforming how properties are marketed, sold, and managed. Virtual tours, AI-driven property matching, and blockchain for smart contracts are becoming mainstream.
Sustainability & Green Buildings
Eco-conscious buyers and regulatory pressures are driving demand for energy-efficient, sustainable developments. LEED certification and green design are gaining traction.
Remote Work & Lifestyle Shifts
Hybrid and remote work models are reshaping what people want in a home—more space, better amenities, and locations outside traditional city centers.
Fractional Ownership & Real Estate Tokenization
Real estate is becoming more accessible via fractional ownership models and tokenized assets, allowing smaller investors to participate in high-value properties.
Urban Revitalization & Mixed-Use Developments
As cities redevelop post-pandemic, there’s growing interest in mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods that blend residential, retail, and recreational spaces.
How does Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited measure the success of its projects, and what metrics or benchmarks do you use to evaluate the impact of your developments on local communities and the environment?
To measure the success of its projects, Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited likely utilizes a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that encompass both financial and non-financial aspects. While specific details on their exact methods may not be publicly available, here are general strategies and benchmarks that real estate development companies, such as Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited, typically employ to assess their success:
Financial Performance Metrics
Return on Investment (ROI): The profitability of a project relative to its cost, showing how well the investment has performed.
Net Present Value (NPV): A financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of a project by comparing the present value of expected future cash flows to the initial investment.
Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Measures the potential return from a project, indicating the rate at which a project breaks even in terms of its cash flows.
Timeline and Budget Adherence
Project Completion Time: Assessing whether the project was completed on time or if there were any delays.
Budget Adherence: Whether the project stayed within its initial budget or exceeded it, and understanding the reasons for any discrepancies.
Community Impact
Employment Generation: Number of local jobs created during both the construction phase and the operational phase of the development.
Affordable Housing/Infrastructure Contribution: Measuring how much of the project contributes to local housing needs or provides essential services or infrastructure.
Community Feedback and Engagement: Surveys or direct feedback from local community members on the development’s impact, ensuring that the project benefits local residents.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Evaluating the potential positive and negative effects of a development on the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring compliance with local environmental regulations.
Sustainability Certifications: Projects may be evaluated based on adherence to green building standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or other sustainability benchmarks.
Energy Efficiency: The use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy sources within the development.
Carbon Footprint: Measurement of the development’s total carbon emissions, with efforts aimed at reducing negative environmental impacts.
Market Impact
Sales and Leasing Success: The demand for properties developed, measured by the speed at which units are sold or leased.
Property Value Appreciation: Tracking the change in the value of properties within the development, and the broader impact on local property prices.
Social Responsibility and Equity
Inclusive Development: Assessing how well the project meets the needs of diverse communities, including affordable housing initiatives or community-driven features.
Health and Safety Standards: Ensuring the project complies with health and safety regulations, and promoting better living conditions for residents.
Stakeholder Satisfaction
Investor and Stakeholder Satisfaction: Measuring the satisfaction of investors, partners, and other key stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
Customer Satisfaction: Evaluating the satisfaction of the end-users, whether they are homeowners or businesses, through surveys or direct feedback.
Regulatory Compliance
Legal and Regulatory Adherence: Ensuring that the project complies with all zoning laws, building codes, and other regulatory requirements.
By using a combination of these metrics, Kafansy Mega Gateway Property Limited can comprehensively evaluate the success of its projects, focusing not only on financial returns but also on their social and environmental impacts.
