An Assessment Of The Characteristics Of Mega Real Estate Projects In Sub–Saharan Africa

This paper provides an understanding of the viability and investment decision making processes associated with mega , mixed-use developments across Sub-Saharan Africa ( SSA) . In doing so the study questions the economic as well as non-economic parameters that often drive these projects. Because of their size, such developments have specific funding as well as infrastructural requirements which are often not found in smaller developments. They also often also require a significant level of public/ private sector co-operation, and the success or failure of these projects can have considerable private and public implications.In addressing these questions, the research considers the academic literature that has developed around the characteristics of large mixed use developments in industrialised and emerging countries . Research conclusions are drawn based on four case studies located in Kenya ( Tatu City ) , Nigeria ( Eko Atlantic ), South Africa ( Century City ) and the DRC ( Cite Du Fleuve). These projects are approximately of a similar size; they incorporate a number of residential and non-residential uses, and have the potential to significantly alter local markets and the urban environment in which they are located.The main finding of the study is that the decision to initiate mega real estate projects in Sub-Saharan Africa is driven by financial and non-financial parameters with often insufficient attention given to market forces . It also suggests that concentrating on financial feasibility studies may not provide an adequate tool for the analysis of these types of projects.