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By Benson Michael
Ebunoluwa Olamidotun Adejumo is a strategist and analyst who utilizes data and technology to address significant social issues.
With a strong academic background in Agricultural Economics (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) and dual master’s degrees, an MBA, and a Master’s in Business Analytics from Hult International Business School, San Francisco, she has built a career at the intersection of go-to-market strategy, and Business Intelligence.
Today, she balances her work on infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Ferry Terminal with a focus on one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. She believes that AI and data analytics can unlock new pathways for inclusive, sustainable housing systems across the continent.
Affordable housing is one of Africa’s biggest challenges. Why is this issue so urgent?
Ebunoluwa Adejumo: Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization. Every year, millions migrate to cities, creating a housing demand that far exceeds supply. Estimates suggest that the continent faces a housing deficit of over 50 million units. The problem isn’t just about numbers; it’s about affordability. Many people work in the informal sector, lack access to formal mortgages, and end up in overcrowded or unsafe housing. Without innovative solutions, this gap will only widen.
You’ve built your career at the intersection of data, strategy, and innovation. How does your background shape your perspective on this challenge?
Ebunoluwa Adejumo: My work has always focused on using data to create real solutions. As a strategist, I’ve helped organizations develop go-to-market plans, set up KPI frameworks, and build analytics systems to drive growth. For example, with urban infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Ferry Terminal in Lagos, I’ve worked on initiatives that improve mobility and access. These experiences showed me that significant challenges, such as housing or transportation, require vision, strong partnerships, and data-driven decision-making. I bring this same approach to affordable housing, moving from old methods to innovation.
How exactly can AI and data analytics be applied to affordable housing in Africa?
Ebunoluwa Adejumo: There are several ways. First, AI can analyze diverse datasets, such as land records, satellite images, household surveys, and mobile payment information, to better understand and predict housing needs. Second, AI-powered credit models can expand access to financing by considering alternative data, such as utility payments or cooperative savings, which is vital for those excluded from traditional mortgage systems. Third, AI can improve housing design and construction, reducing costs and making homes more climate-friendly. Ultimately, predictive modeling enables policymakers to test solutions before implementation, ensuring that interventions are both equitable and effective.
You often speak of the “essence of Africa” in this context. What do you mean by that?
Ebunoluwa Adejumo: To me, Africa’s essence is resilience, youth, and the ability to adapt quickly. We’ve seen this with mobile money, where Africa pioneered solutions that changed global finance. Affordable housing can be the next big leap. By using AI and data analytics, we can bypass outdated systems and build housing models tailored to African realities. This is about more than technology; it’s about giving millions of families dignity, safety, and opportunity.
What’s the big picture if this vision is realized?
Ebunoluwa Adejumo: I see a future where African cities treat affordable housing not as a crisis but as a foundation for growth. Governments could plan urban expansion with precision, developers could build smarter and more sustainably, and families could access fairer financing options. Housing would no longer be a bottleneck—it would become a driver of economic stability and social progress.
With a background in strategic marketing, analytics, and infrastructure, I see affordable housing as both a challenge and an opportunity for our generation. By applying AI and data analytics, Africa can transform housing into a narrative of innovation, dignity, and inclusive growth. I encourage policymakers, technologists, and community leaders to actively collaborate and embrace these technologies now to drive substantial and lasting change.
