In Africa’s real estate markets, what kills most projects isn’t funding. It’s a data gap.
Data gap about what to build.
Where to build.
What the demand looks like.
And whether the numbers even make sense.
At Fortren & Company, we were built to clear that gap.
Why Fortren?
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, developers, family offices, funds, and landowners are making high-stakes real estate decisions with too little data, fragmented insights, and outdated feasibility assumptions.
The result?
- Projects that stall.
- Capital is tied up in the wrong location or product.
- Growth strategies built on gut, not ground truth.
Fortren exists to change that.
What We Do
Fortren and Company is a plug-in research and strategy partner for serious real estate operators across Africa, those who can't afford to make mistakes.
Think of us as your decision support unit — delivering deep, data-backed insight that helps you stay ahead.
Our core services include:
1. Market Intelligence & Bespoke Reports
2. Feasibility Studies
3. Bid & RFP Advisory
4. Transaction Advisory / Brokerage
5. Portfolio Strategy for Long-Term Investors
Who We Serve
We work with:
- Real estate developers seeking clarity before they build
- Private equity and institutional investors expanding into new regions
- Main contractors exploring JV opportunities with landowners
- Family offices looking to future-proof real estate portfolios
- Governments and multilaterals looking to de-risk large projects
How We’re Different
Research-First. Execution-Aware.
We combine rigorous research with real-world delivery knowledge.
Pan-African Perspective. Hyperlocal Detail.
We understand what’s shifting continent-wide, but we operate block by block.
Fast. Flexible. Founder-Led.
You won’t wait months for insights. We move with your deal flow.
Built for Builders. Not Bureaucrats.
We’re not chasing 80-page decks. We’re helping you make decisions that build.
What You Can Do Next
Fortren and Company is officially open for business.
- Book a consultation with our team to see how we can support your next project by sending an email to team@fortrenandcompany.com
- Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to get the latest updates on the market
- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insight on real estate and infrastructure in Africa
Fortren & Company exists to provide the clarity you need to make your real estate deals smarter, faster, and better aligned with your goals and the market.
Join us on this journey, let’s build with precision.
With just 3,577square meters in land mass, Lagos is home to over 17 million residents, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. One of the most pronounced effects of clear overpopulation in overcrowded cities like Lagos is the increase in informal settlements, land grabbing, and illegal construction. Internal data from the Lagos State government shows that more than 349 buildings have been erected illegally and do not comply with the planning laws set out by the state. In response, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development have intensified enforcement of planning laws to ensure that buildings within Lagos State are designed, constructed, and maintained to a high standard of safety. Their enforcement efforts have led to numerous building demolitions and are primarily targeted at three recurring violations across the state, which we will be discussing below.
- Lack of building development permit:
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Failure to obtain required development permits remains one of the most common triggers for demolition across Lagos. Under Section 27(1) of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, no building is allowed to be erected across the state, except when necessary permits and approvals have been duly sought and obtained. “No person shall carry out any development in Lagos State without obtaining a permit from the relevant planning authority.” Non-compliance with section 27(1) of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law authorises the state government to demolish any building that has not sought and obtained the necessary approvals. Despite this clear guideline, unauthorised construction continues to proliferate in the state. In a recent enforcement action, 13 illegal buildingswere demolished in Lagos for non-compliance, highlighting the Government’s resolve to clamp down on developments that violate planning regulations. Several factors may explain why some developers bypass the approval process, including a lack of awareness of regulatory requirements, the perceived complexity or delay in obtaining permits, and, in some cases, a calculated risk to evade official fees or oversight. While these issues don’t justify non-compliance, they underscore the need for continued public education, transparency, and reform of the permitting process.
- Encroachment on Drainage Channels and Setbacks:
Building on drainage channels and designated setbacks stands out as one of the leading causes of demolition across Lagos. This issue not only breaches planning regulations but has also contributed to environmental and public safety risks.The Lagos State Building Control Agency(LASBCA) mandates a minimum setback of nine (9) meters for residential buildings in high-density, flood-prone zonessuch as Victoria Island, Apapa, and the Lekki Peninsula Schemes I and II. Despite these regulations, many developers have reclaimed and erected structures directly on waterways, obstructing water flow and increasing the risk of flooding. Recently, the Lagos state government marked 39 buildingsfor demolition in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area (mostly along the Ikota corridor) for obstructing drainage channels and encroaching.Similar actions have been taken in other areas like Amuwo Odofin. These demolitions have left many homeowners devastated. In response, affected owners have petitioned the government through their community associations, while others seek court injunctions to challenge the demolition or delay it pending clarification of their land status. Urban experts, however, emphasise the need for property buyers to secure proper planning permits from the Lagos StatePhysical Planning Permit Authority(LASPPPA) before embarking on any building or development project within the state.In many cases, properties built on canals, drainage channels, or government-designated right-of-way have little to no legal standing, making it difficult for affected owners to obtain compensation or favourable rulings in court. This is because such developments typically contravene established planning laws and are considered public safety hazards. We love your feedback. Let us know what you think about this article or your experience renting in Africa by sending an email toadvisory@fortrenandcompany.com. You can also join the conversation here onLinkedIn.