Why invest in real estate in Africa in 2026
The African real estate market is increasingly attracting savings from the French-speaking diaspora: gross rental yields significantly higher than in Europe, a stable currency for countries in the CFA franc zone (pegged to the euro), and structurally strong rental demand in major cities. But the rules are not the same from one country to another: open access for foreigners in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire; more restrictive land ownership in Algeria, where the only truly viable route goes through the AAPI’s economic land scheme. This guide compares the six most closely watched markets and links to a detailed guide for each.
Country-by-country comparison (2026)
| Country | Indicative price per m² | Gross rental yield | Foreign / diaspora access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 11 400 – 17 500 MAD/m² | 5 – 9 % | Open (urban built property) |
| Tunisia | 2 400 – 5 690 TND/m² | 5 – 8 % | Open (imported foreign currency) |
| Algeria | 180 000 – 550 000 DZD/m² | n.d. | Restricted (AAPI land scheme) |
| Senegal | 800 000 – 3 500 000 FCFA/m² | 5 – 8 % | Open (land title) |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 200 000 – 1 500 000 FCFA/m² | 8 – 14 % | Open (urban area) |
| Cameroon | 3 000 – 200 000 FCFA/m² (land) | 5 – 10 % | Land title required |
Indicative ranges taken from the detailed guides (2025-2026 sources: Mubawab, agenz, Knight Frank, government ministries and specialist press). Prices are expressed in local currency.
Detailed country guides
- Investing in real estate in Morocco
- Investing in real estate in Tunisia
- Investing in real estate in Algeria
- Investing in real estate in Senegal
- Investing in real estate in Côte d’Ivoire
- Investing in real estate in Cameroon
The three golden rules before investing
- Verify the title deed: require a recent, authenticated land title (or its local equivalent: ACD in Côte d’Ivoire, blue title deed in Tunisia). Land fraud and double sales are the number 1 risk.
- Go through official banking channels: finance using imported and declared foreign currency to guarantee the future repatriation of capital and capital gains (convertible dirham account in Morocco, convertible dinar account in Tunisia).
- Budget 10 to 20 % above the asking price: registration fees, notary fees, agency fees and unforeseen costs are systematically added on top of the listed price.
FAQ
Can you buy property in Africa from France?
Yes, in most countries: acquisition is open to non-residents in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, generally via a notarised power of attorney and official banking channels. Algeria is the exception: residential purchases by foreigners remain restricted there, with the available route being economic land via the AAPI.
Which African country offers the best rental yield?
Côte d’Ivoire displays the highest gross yields (around 10 % in central Abidjan, up to 14 % on the outskirts), followed by Morocco (6.7 % national average, 7 to 9 % for tourist rentals in Marrakech) and Cameroon (7.5 to 10 % according to Knight Frank). The net yield is systematically 1 to 2 percentage points lower once charges, vacancy and management costs are deducted.
Is a land title necessary to invest safely?
Yes. In all countries, the land title (or its local equivalent) is the only document that confers full and enforceable ownership. In Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, national domain land goes through a long-term lease (bail emphytéotique) convertible into a land title after development.
Disclaimer: the information in this article is provided for indicative purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Please verify with the relevant official bodies before making any decision.
