Facility management in Africa is gaining momentum. Leaders from Nigeria and Ghana share how awareness, energy challenges and technology are shaping one of the fastest-growing FM markets in the world.
What does the future of facility management look like in Africa?
In this episode, Lara Paemen, Managing Director of IFMA EMEA, sits down with Sheriff Daramola, President of the IFMA Nigeria chapter, and Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President of the IFMA Ghana chapter. Together, they explore how FM is evolving across West Africa, from growing professional awareness and skills development to pressing challenges around energy, sustainability and infrastructure. The conversation highlights why Africa represents a major opportunity for FM professionals, organizations and investors alike.
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Exploring FM Trends in Africa
01:35 Meet the Experts: Sheriff Daramola and Sampson Opare-Agyemang
03:13 FM in Ghana: Progress and Challenges
04:12 FM in Nigeria: Growth and Opportunities
04:46 Comparing FM in West Africa
07:43 Client Awareness and Appreciation of FM
12:02 Opportunities and Challenges in FM Across Africa
14:12 Energy Management and Sustainability in FM
17:53 Future of FM in Africa
20:46 Final Thoughts and Messages to the Global FM Community
22:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Sheriff Daramola: [00:00:00] Facility managers should sit in the front role to be strategic around creating value in terms of energy management.
There are solutions for en energy management. There are renewable energies, and also in the smart buildings and the green buildings also. So as a facility manager, we are working to be an inclusion into the architect's design.
Host: Welcome to Connected fm, a podcast connecting you to the latest insights, tools, and resources to help you succeed in facility management. This podcast is brought to you by ifma, the leading professional association for facility managers. If you are ready to grow your network and advance in your career, go to ifma.org to get started.
Have you ever wondered what does the future of facility management look like in Africa? In today's episode, Laura Palmen, the managing director of ifma [00:01:00] Mia, sits down with Sharif Darla, the president of ifma Nigeria chapter, and Samson Opere Ajman, president of the IFMA Ghana chapter. Together. They explore how FM is evolving across West Africa from growing professional awareness and skills development to pressing challenges around energy, sustainability, and infrastructure.
The conversation highlights why Africa represents a major opportunity for FM professionals, organizations, and investors alike. Now, let's get into it.
Lara Paemen: Welcome everybody to this podcast on the FM trends in Africa. Thank you all for joining us, uh, here at World Workplace. I am Lara Paemen. I'm the managing Director of IFMA EMEA, and I have here with me today next to me, Sheriff Daramola, president of the Ifma Nigeria chapter. And Sampson Opare-Agyemang, president of the [00:02:00] IFMA chapter.
I will maybe ask, uh, the two gentlemen here first, what do you do in your daily lives when you're not occupied with IFMA Sheriff?
Sheriff Daramola: Thank you Lara for having me in this podcast. I manage infrastructures for telecommunications in Nigeria. The company needs specific tools and techniques. It's a facility management and engineering firm.
With, over 500 sub strains across all the states in Nigeria, particularly the Southwest or the Southeast and south South states in Nigeria.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. Thank you. Thank you, Sam.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yes. So, um,
Lara Paemen: you're always busy.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yes, because, uh, basically I'm an architect, so I do design and build construction in Ghana. I run my own company, so mostly I'm running around the whole of Ghana.
You know, vising my projects and also designing for clients.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. Yes. I know you two have a really good view as well on [00:03:00] what's happening in the continent of Africa. Could you share like your thoughts on the FM market in your countries Nigeria, Ghana? Sam, I'll start with you. What's the status of FM in Ghana nowadays?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Thank you, Lara. I think in 2025. FM in Ghana has come very far. Some 15 years ago it was zero. There was, there was, there's nothing like facilities management in our education, in our public sector, in our daily, you know, life activities. In the built environment, there was no mention of facilities management.
But with the integration of, uh, IFMA Ghana chapter, we've been able to make a lot of noise and so. Very well. There are institutions running facilities management in Ghana now, and we've trained more than 100 f and p professionals who are working in the, in the [00:04:00] area of, um, financial institutions, public institutions and education institutions in Ghana.
So, so, so, I mean, it's good. Mm.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. Great. Yeah. What about in Nigeria? We just came off our ifma Global Africa Conference in Nigeria, and I know that FM is really big in Nigeria.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yeah. Thank you Laura.
Lara Paemen: Uh, tell us more.
Sheriff Daramola: As you could see in Nigeria in last month, there's more of awareness of facility management, uh, profession in Nigeria, unlike some 15, 20 years ago now we have more practitioners, more awareness.
More inclusions, more advocacy. And there's also need for more professional development in facility management in Nigeria.
Lara Paemen: Yeah, absolutely. Now your countries are both West African countries, right? Yeah. So, what are the biggest, I would say, similarities and what are the differences between the West African FM market?
I would [00:05:00] say. Compared to other parts of the continent, what's your view on that?
Sheriff Daramola: For us, it's, um, similarity goes within the same market adoption for facility management, same government inclusion in terms of the level of government inclusion. Then similarity also goes around awareness in terms of facility management.
Lara Paemen: How is that awareness when it comes to facility management?
Sheriff Daramola: Um, the awareness is being created through the programs. We also have, as IFMA we have an advocacy. We have World FM Day we have also inclusion in, participating in government policies and strategies as a case may be where if one, Nigeria is one of the organ that promotes executive order level on facility management in terms of maintenance.
So there's that awareness. In Lagos, there is an authority created specifically by the government for facility management and [00:06:00] asset management, and this also goes around the northern part of the country and also the southern part of the country. So there's that awareness. Uh, we also have mentorship for the interns, for those that are just coming in as a professionals, we have technological growth and advancement.
So there's that awareness, and I believe something for. Ghana. But when it comes to differences, um, that's more of, um,
Lara Paemen: towards other,
Sheriff Daramola: let's say parts of continent. The continent. Right? Exactly. There's more of, um, technological advancement and a smart inclusions into facilities management and innovations, and that's what we are also tapping from as, um, African countries.
Yeah,
Lara Paemen: yeah. Sam, what's your opinion on that?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yeah, so, so I mean, taking it from where, uh, sheriff end. The, the similarity or the differences has to do more of the technological aspect of facilities management because as you know, facilities [00:07:00] management in Ghana and maybe in Nigeria is still new. It's still new.
It is. How compare the population of Nigeria to Ghana and the percentage and penetration of facilities management in these two countries. Then we, we still not there yet, but we're still pushing, you know, to get there. So, I mean, it has to do more with the penetration through the public sector, governments, um, recognition of governments or facilities management operations in these two countries.
And even to a larger extent in the continent. Yeah. Yeah. That, that has been some of the differences and, uh, some of the, uh, similarities and challenges that we have. In, in, in, in Ghana and Nigeria. Yeah.
Lara Paemen: So you've briefly touched upon the, the awareness around facility management. How would you describe the, the client awareness and the appreciation of facility management across Africa?
Do people know [00:08:00] that they work in the FM industry? Because that is something that we've, we've encountered a lot. People don't even realize that, realize it. They work in, in the FM industry. And do companies understand the importance of FM in Africa? I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.
Sheriff Daramola: It's, it's a challenge promoting FM to companies, but we not realize that companies that embrace facility management, they have quite a lot of advantages in terms of cost saving, in terms of, uh, sustainable solutions.
In terms of, uh, creating awareness and reducing cost. And again, when it comes to risk analysis, uh, companies that embrace facilities management, they're also engaging more FM practitioners in, in doing that. But what we have currently, the skill set, the skill gap, that's part of the challenges that is facing facility management in Nigeria.
And I believe we're gonna have that chat around this course also. [00:09:00] So there's, um, embracement of facility management by companies that does that, including the government, uh, both public and private sectors. In our ifma we have a corporate members who are organizations like my company the company of other facility managers who also have individuals.
So there's that awareness, there's that positive creations, and there's also inclusion of the facility management profession in Nigeria.
Lara Paemen: But you, your company is also active in other countries. How do you see that in, in other countries?
Sheriff Daramola: Yes. Um, Lara, if, um, if you look at the opportunities in FM market in African countries, I will tell you that, um, Ghana, Ethiopia,
Lara Paemen: mm-hmm.
Sheriff Daramola: Kenya and Nigeria, so the FM practice in other countries have a lot of opportunities. In Nigeria, just 80% opportunities. That is more [00:10:00] for FM to be there. For Ethiopia, the FM is still growing and uh, for Kenya, also because they are East African countries, the FM practice or the FM profession is still growing and we need to create that awareness.
And part of the awareness we have created, it's just like we have now. I've seen most of the other countries from Kenya, from Ghana, from Uganda. And it's for us to have a networking and see how we can grow FM in other African countries. My brother from West Africa, yes. We are talking and we ensure that we engage facility management.
Lara Paemen: How do you experienced that?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Uh, um, yes. Uh, a lot of in the front of penetration and then people knowing even whether they are working in the facilities management industry it's still at the early stages. Yeah. Recently we had, we still need advocacy. We still need to make noise about the value proposition of FM in Africa.
[00:11:00] Still employers and governments have not come to appreciate the benefit of FM. And so, I mean, companies, you know, draw their budgets at the beginning of their financial year and they don't put anything at all for facilities. Yeah. Because they don't see it to be. Necessary. Yeah. So one of the things that we are pushing very well in terms of advocacy is to for companies to know the value proposition of FM in their, you know, in their business operations.
And that is catching, that is, uh, catching attention of Yeah. Uh, government and business, uh, owners. And even on, on, on social media, I can see a lot of feedback. You know, when we had this, uh. Roundtable discussion, and I can see brothers and sister from other part of the continent, you know, contacting me and seeking for more information and asking for war, how we can be of help to them of course.
So, I mean, it's still at the stages of [00:12:00] advocates and we need to do that more.
Lara Paemen: And despite these challenges, what, what opportunities do you see for, for FM in, in, in the, and the continent?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: I think the opportunity is huge. I think that because
Lara Paemen: we can make a real difference, right? Yeah. As an FM
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: industry. E.
Exactly. It's huge. And we, they will all only appreciated if they see the value that FM brings to the business. Yeah. But we just mentioned FM and we are not able to demonstrate the value that it brings to their business. Then we will not get in the way. Yeah. So the opportunity is there, but we need to demonstrate how it bring value to their businesses.
Yeah.
Sheriff Daramola: Yeah.
Lara Paemen: Sharif
Sheriff Daramola: for us, we see opportunities in career development and professionalism of the professions itself. We also see opportunities in, analytical and data reporting, which is very, very important. We also see opportunities on the smart technology inclusions innovation. The facility managers that is sit sitting on [00:13:00] the 10 years, 15 years back, I think need to upskills because the world is going into more of sustainability.
So we see opportunities in this line of actions and innovations and again AI just and technology that will shaping the future of facility management profession. So these opportunities, and there are huge opportunities. For any investors that is coming to West Africa.
Lara Paemen: Mm-hmm.
Sheriff Daramola: Thank you.
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Lara Paemen: Now I've been in Ghana, I've been in in Nigeria and other African countries.
And, [00:14:00] and obviously you are sometimes challenged by things that in this part of the world are, are very standard. Yeah. Like electricity and, and, and wifi and, and, and technology, et cetera. How important are issues like energy management? Sustainability and, and resilience in the African FM market. How important are those aspects?
Yeah.
Sheriff Daramola: Lara, this is a very important topic and issues, that's why
Lara Paemen: I'm asking the question.
Sheriff Daramola: Very, very important for Nigerians. In terms of, energy consumptions, we, as facility managers, we need to adapt in knowledge and also scale up our preferences and it comes to innovations. Facility managers should sit in the front role to be strategic around [00:15:00] creating value in terms of energy management.
There are solutions for en energy management. There are renewable energies, and also in the smart buildings and the green buildings also. So as a facility manager. We are working to be an inclusion into the design, the architect's design, but most times they don't consider the facility management in their design per You should be
Lara Paemen: working
Sheriff Daramola: together actually.
Yeah. So, we are talking to other associations that are also related to built environment. So energy is a big issue and we are resolving that through innovations, through smart technologies. And then true initiatives.
Lara Paemen: Mm-hmm.
Sheriff Daramola: Thank you.
Lara Paemen: How about those topics in, in Ghana and, and your, your experience in other parts of Africa?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Energy is a big thing and energy is really a big thing and a challenge also in Ghana. Yeah. I know My brothers in Nigeria is a huge, [00:16:00] you know, challenge, but it's, it is also in Ghana. Yeah. Where, I mean, energy becomes, um, problematic in the, in the operations of businesses. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Because. Without energy.
I mean, you cannot do anything, but you have instances where power goes off and you are not even, you know, preformed that power will go off at this time and at that time, okay. And shut down operations and the facilities manager is to ensure that operations continues, continue, you know? Yeah. So it's, it's, it's a big challenge.
So one of the things that we are pushing very well. For our members is to also preach the other alternative energy usage, like bringing in green energy, like bringing in solar, solar panels. Although the initial cost is what scare people away. But then also if you bring in the concept of the lifecycle cost and you convince your, employers that look in [00:17:00] the initial cost may be high, but at the long run you start to gain. Yeah. Yeah. And then you have your operations not interrupted. It is, it gives you more advantage. Yeah. So energy is a challenge, but these are some of the ways. We are employing to make sure that workflows without interruption because of energy.
Lara Paemen: And I saw some great examples of that in when we did the facility tours in Lagos. Mm-hmm. Like with Sterling Bank, whose facade is completely made out of solar panels. Solar panels,
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: yeah.
Lara Paemen: So you do see steps being taken towards greener energy towards alternative, um. You know, energy sourcers, et cetera.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Exactly.
Lara Paemen: Now, I think I'm, we're almost running out of time, so I'm gonna, uh, speed up a little bit and, and go to, uh, one of my last questions that I had. Looking ahead, how do you see the facility management industry evolving and let's say the next five to [00:18:00] 10 years in Africa? What's the, the path? Where, where are we going?
Where are we, how are we going to evolve?
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: You, if I should come in first, should I say?
Lara Paemen: Sure. But you've already started.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yeah. Yeah. I, I see, I see F Affirm evolving in, in Africa and, uh, government embracing fm. Yeah. Because of the presence of especially IFMA in countries like Ghana and Nigeria and other countries that IFMA is going, um, because the template is already there, so we just.
You know, plug and play
Lara Paemen: and we now have chapters in Uganda and Rwanda. We're planning other chapters as well, so,
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: exactly, exactly. So, so if we are able to do this and expand our base, then that will have a lot of influence in ongoing forward and facilities management will be required at any, it is starting from the public, you know, institutions.
Facilities managers will be [00:19:00] needed in any facility by the government and that will have a great influence in tickling down to the other private sectors as well.
Lara Paemen: Excellent.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yeah.
Lara Paemen: Sheriff,
Sheriff Daramola: Thank you very much.
Lara Paemen: What's your prediction?
Sheriff Daramola: Yes. For the future? Um, I dunno if there are investors there, but I want to tell you that um, the facility management as of 2025 is being valued about 27 billion US dollars for 2025.
And in the next five years, the estimation is around 49 billion US dollars. What that is telling us is that there are huge opportunities in Nigeria, and this has been driven by infrastructure development in Lagos. Literally were in Lagos last month. You could see massive infrastructures both on mainland, on Highland.
You were in Abuja some times ago. You could see massive infrastructures. So Portco also, they have massive infrastructures. And the northern part, which is kawa and the rest of them. So there are opportunities [00:20:00] and um, this court, I had to say, the facility managers or the management itself should be positioned to key into these opportunities that is waiting for us in the next five years.
48 billion US dollars is not a small money.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: Yeah.
Sheriff Daramola: And um, we are expecting that in Nigeria in the next five years. Now I've been to Ethiopia, the same vertical structures. Name it. Both transportations, hospitalities Road Networks. These are just built two months off, but the sustainability of those infrastructures lies on the smart technology and adaptation and career development and exposition of facility managers that are in those countries.
Thank you.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. Final question, if you could give one message to the global FM community about Africa's FM market. What would it be? One sentence. I know that's difficult for you, Sheriff, so let's try it. [00:21:00]
Sheriff Daramola: If I have a message for them.
Lara Paemen: Yes. What message would it be to the global FM community regarding the Africa FM market?
Sheriff Daramola: The African FM market are in four African countries, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya. These are African countries for you to invest in. If you're in FM and with inclusion of smart technology, innovation solutions, sustainability, you're in the right way. Thank you.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. You've done great there. Sam, final words.
Sampson Opare-Agyemang: So I'll say that, um, the FM market is in Africa. If you're an investor and you are into affirm, go nowhere, but come to Africa and your business will grow.
Lara Paemen: Excellent. Thank you so much, much. Uh, we are also looking forward to the next ifma Global Africa conference, and of course, everybody's invited to join us [00:22:00] there as well.
Host: Thanks for tuning into the Connected FM podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show because it really helps us reach more listeners just like you. And don't forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. See you next time.