Smart homes are gaining traction in Nigeria due to advancement of technology but with frequent power failure and low internet penetration the wave is slowing compared to peers.
The global smart home market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology and real estate driven by advancements in Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation.
The industry is expected to surpass $205 billion by 2026, up from about $79 billion in 2020, according to reports.
Key factors fueling this growth include rising demand for energy-efficient homes, increased adoption of home automation for security and convenience, the expansion of 5G and high-speed internet and integration of smart appliances and voice-controlled systems.
“Nigeria’s frequent electricity cuts plus a yet-to-be robust internet speed is stalling smart homes in the country, but we’re bridging the gap,” said Bolaji Oloko, chief executive officer, Lagos-based Patobe Smart Homes.
The smart home revolution gained momentum in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, particularly in the United States, China, Germany, and Japan.
The U.S. market alone was valued at over $40 billion in 2023, with companies like Amazon (Alexa), Google (Nest), and Apple (HomeKit) leading innovations in home automation.
Though Africa’s smart home industry is still in its early stages, it is growing rapidly, thanks to urbanisation and increasing access to mobile connectivity.
South Africa has the most developed market, valued at $400 million in 2024, driven by security concerns and a growing middle class while Egypt and Kenya are also expanding due to a rise in tech-enabled real estate developments.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is experiencing a gradual shift toward smart homes too. Historically, the real estate sector relied on traditional housing models, but as urban centers like Lagos and Abuja develop, the demand for tech-integrated homes has surged.
But this drive to smart homes is facing slower adoption due to unreliable power supply, high costs of smart home devices and limited internet penetration in some areas.
However, rising disposable income, increased awareness, and the need for energy-efficient solutions have fueled a new wave of interest in automated homes.
Patobe Smart home is at the forefront of Nigeria’s smart home revolution, bringing affordable, tech-driven living solutions to a growing market.
Read also: 7 cities driving the future of smart living
“As cities become more connected, homes must evolve. Security concerns, energy efficiency, and digital convenience are no longer optional—they are essential,” said Oloko.
“In Nigeria, where security risks, rising energy costs, and globalized lifestyles are key concerns for high-net-worth individuals, smart homes offer a reliable, futuristic solution,” he added.
This innovation is attracting a new generation of homebuyers—tech-savvy Nigerians seeking modern, efficient, and secure living spaces.
While smart homes were once considered a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy, Patobe is working to democratize access by offering scalable solutions. The company is partnering with developers to retrofit existing homes with smart features while also building fully automated smart estates at competitive prices.
“Whether physically home or not. Whether in Lagos, London, or Dubai, homeowners control their entire property with a tap on their phone,” Oloko said.
“By integrating AI-powered automation into urban planning, security, and energy management, Nigeria can become a leader in sustainable, intelligent living.”
This move by Patobe will further position Nigeria as Africa’s tech hub, attracting investors, developers, and policymakers looking for cutting-edge smart infrastructure, aligning with national economic diversification efforts to move beyond oil into a tech-driven future.
Read also: Big firms flock to Eko Atlantic on prestige
“For homeowners, investors, and policymakers, now is the time to embrace smart luxury living,” the CEO said.
With companies like Patobe pioneering smart home adoption, the Nigerian real estate sector is shifting toward tech-enabled, efficient, and secure housing. As infrastructure improves and costs decline, smart home technology will likely become a standard in urban developments, shaping the country’s future cities.
In a few years, Nigeria could become one of Africa’s top smart home markets, with Patobe playing a crucial role in making that vision a reality.
