With Africa’s property market projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.58% from 2025 to 2029, reaching US$21.92 trillion by 2029, according to Statista, largely driven by investor confidence and mega public sector initiatives, one key factor stands out – security. Location and pricing, notwithstanding, the security infrastructure of the property plays a crucial role in its competitiveness. Across the property market in Africa, investors, including tenants, rank security high in their decision-making process.
On the back of sustained emphasis on safety and security, demand for property managers who prioritize security will, in turn, continue to grow. From rising tenant expectations and evolving government regulations to increasing pressure to align with smart city initiatives, such as Kenya’s Konza Technopolis, South Africa’s Lanseria Smart City, and Nigeria’s Enyimba Economic City project, property managers across Africa face mounting complexity. At the heart of these challenges is the need for not just improved but smart security that does not just protect physical assets, but most importantly also ensures tenant safety, safeguards data, and streamlines operations. Increasingly, unified security platforms are emerging as the preferred solution.
For years, property security relied on a patchwork of disconnected systems: one for access control, another for surveillance, a third for alarms. This fragmentation created more problems than it solved. Operators had to juggle multiple interfaces, training was inefficient, and critical time was lost switching between platforms during incidents. Siloed systems also made it harder to investigate incidents. Video footage might not sync with access control logs, making it difficult to reconstruct what happened. In an environment where time is critical, whether responding to
an emergency or providing evidence for legal purposes, this disconnection can become a major liability.
The promise of unified security
This unified approach, combining core functions like video surveillance, access control, license plate recognition, and communications into a single, cohesive system, offers several practical benefits. It ensures faster response times because security staff can instantly access video feeds, access logs, and alarms from one dashboard. Investigators can quickly correlate data across systems, simplifying evidence collection and reducing case resolution times. Staff only need to learn one system, making onboarding easier and reducing human error. With automation and integrated workflows, property managers can spend less time on manual tasks
and more time focusing on tenants and strategy.
Cloud-based and SaaS options
In Africa, where governments, in partnership with the private sector, have put in place policies designed to fast-track their respective digital transformation efforts, cloud-based security solutions and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) models are increasingly being adopted across commercial and residential developments. Security systems located on premises require upfront investments in servers, hardware, and IT support. Today’s SaaS-based security offerings allow property managers to avoid massive capital expenditures. SaaS platforms provide continuous updates, built-in cybersecurity measures, and the flexibility to scale as property needs change.
Avoiding proprietary system pitfalls
Open-platform solutions offer flexibility, allowing property managers to adopt best-in-class tools, support phased deployments, and scale over time without disruption. This is especially valuable for multi-site portfolios or budget-conscious teams, enabling gradual improvements aligned with strategic priorities. Open architecture also improves the adaptability of investments, making it easier to integrate emerging technologies like AI-based analytics, smart sensors, or cloud storage without replacing the entire system.
Enhanced tenant satisfaction
Tenants expect more than just a place to live or work; they expect a safe, responsive
environment. Unified security systems play a key role in meeting those expectations. For example, mobile access control lets tenants unlock doors with their phones, reducing the hassle of lost or stolen keycards. Visitor management systems streamline guest access without compromising security. Advanced surveillance and real-time monitoring contribute to a heightened sense of safety. These features can enhance tenant satisfaction and retention rates.
Supporting regulatory compliance
Property managers must navigate a growing maze of regulations around privacy, accessibility, cybersecurity, and building safety. Unified security platforms help meet these challenges more efficiently. They can be configured to protect personal data, control access to sensitive areas, and maintain detailed audit logs. When built on open platforms, these systems also integrate with building automation and IoT devices, enabling real-time monitoring of HVAC, lighting, air quality, and other environmental factors. This not only simplifies compliance but will also support
Africa meets its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Reducing risk and liability
Africa’s safety and security remain top priorities that are reflected in smart city frameworks, strict building codes, and public-private digital initiatives. Unified security platforms help reduce security risks by offering real-time visibility, automated incident response, and centralized investigations. With enhanced situational awareness and auditability, managers are better equipped to maintain safety standards and reduce liability.
Data-driven decision-making
Modern unified security platforms aren’t just about security — they’re also about insights. They enable remote management, a huge advantage when property managers might oversee multiple sites or work from different locations. Additionally, analytics can show patterns of building use, parking congestion, tenant foot traffic, and more. These insights can guide operational decisions, from staffing levels to building maintenance schedules. Data-driven property management isn't a future concept; it's happening now.
Preparing properties for the future
The technology landscape is evolving rapidly. With a unified platform built on open architecture, property managers gain the flexibility to adopt innovations as they emerge without overhauling their entire system. Whether integrating smart building tech, new forms of biometric access, or AI-based threat detection, a unified approach ensures that properties can adapt to future needs.
By Firas Jadalla, regional director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec Inc.
