Realty Africa, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to property investments, will soon start offering investors from all over the world the opportunity to invest in the growth and development of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through crowdfunding it intends to gather millions of dollars and euros each year for social housing, eco lodges, hotels, factories and other real estate projects.

Erik van Eeten, co-founder and CFO, said: “For developers in Africa and investors it is difficult to find each other. Most investors still find it scary to invest in Africa. That’s why experienced and large investors control almost the entire market.”

The platform gives investors access to markets, which have been historically out of reach, allowing them to invest amounts “starting at a $1,000 with a good return”.

In addition, it allows communities and project developers to raise capital, without high interest payments or collateral requirements.

The platform has local teams and offices in the Netherlands, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and other countries.

Already, various African projects have been evaluated and approved for crowdfunding, such as projects for family houses for local people and sustainable tourism.

Each project for which there is a demand and for which a realistic investment proposal can be made is eligible.

Realty Africa said it wants to overcome the negative perception of investing in Africa.

Therefore service contracts have been closed with Deloitte and fiduciary agent service provider Imara, a first in crowdfunding.

“Deloitte’s due diligence will screen each project before it is posted on the platform. Imara fiduciary services has assisted in drawing up a legal construction which prevent owners from selling their property. Thus we provide maximum protection for investors,” said Van Eeten.