Afribiz Invest shifts to renewable energy propsects as it expands into one of Africa’s largest housing developments

Afribiz Invest has announced a major strategic shift towards renewable energy as the company deepens its footprint across the continent, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable infrastructure and large-scale community development. The move comes at a defining moment for the company, following the signing of a landmark R27 billion Master Agreement with Ghana’s National Home Ownership Fund (NHF) to deliver 22 000 mixed-use homes. The two initiatives together signal Afribiz’s accelerated transition into a future where clean energy and modern housing developments are intertwined.

Afribiz Invest is a South African investment company founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Collen Mashawana. The company has grown into a large and diverse group with more than 25 subsidiary businesses operating in construction, property development, energy, information technology, mining, financial services and infrastructure consulting. Over the years Afribiz Invest has become known for delivering major urban development and infrastructure projects across South Africa.

The Master Agreement, signed during a ceremony at the Seven Villa Hotel and Spa in Sandton, marks one of the largest African-led urban development projects in recent years. The partnership aims to respond directly to Ghana’s rapidly rising demand for affordable urban housing. As metropolitan regions experience swift population growth and sustained urban migration, pressure has mounted on existing infrastructure. 

Afribiz Invest chief executive Pongo Pule said the signing represents a decisive moment for Africa’s development trajectory, demonstrating what African institutions can achieve when united by a shared vision of progress. Pule emphasised that the partnership showcases the continent’s growing capability to conceptualise, fund and execute large-scale projects without external reliance. She added that Afribiz is honoured to contribute to the creation of sustainable living spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of ordinary families, saying the deal affirms the company’s commitment to inclusive development.

This commitment is also shaping Afribiz’s renewable energy strategy, which will now be embedded across all future housing, business, and mixed-use developments. The company’s energy shift focuses on expanding access to clean, affordable and reliable power systems, particularly in regions where unstable grid supply and high energy costs remain barriers to development.

Solar power will anchor the renewable rollout. Afribiz plans to integrate rooftop solar photovoltaic systems into new housing units, allowing households to generate electricity during the day and store unused power in batteries for use at night or during outages. Solar heating systems will also become standard across many developments, enabling residents to access affordable hot water while reducing reliance on electricity.

The company is further investing in wind energy solutions, particularly for rural and coastal communities where wind potential is strong. Small-scale turbines, paired with solar installations, will form hybrid systems that ensure consistent, year-round clean energy supply. Afribiz is also advancing biomass energy options for agricultural regions, turning organic materials into a renewable heat source that reduces carbon emissions and supports local economies.

Houses designed with renewable energy are essential for creating sustainable, resilient and affordable communities. They reduce dependence on unstable electricity grids, lower household energy costs, and protect families from rising fossil fuel prices. By using solar, wind, biomass, and other clean technologies, these homes cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, and support climate action. 

Heat pump technology, which extracts warmth from the air to heat water and homes, is set to be introduced to both private developments and public housing. Meanwhile, small hydroelectric systems are being assessed for communities located near rivers or dams, offering another sustainable and decentralised energy source.

Afribiz executives say the dual focus on renewable energy and large-scale housing marks a new era for the company’s growth and for African development more broadly.