The South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have formalised a collaboration agreement in Johannesburg, aiming to strengthen professional standards and expand education across Africa’s valuation sector.
The partnership comes at a time when RICS reports nearly 7,500 chartered surveyors across the Middle East and Africa, with the region growing at close to 10% annually.
This growth trajectory underscores the urgency of aligning South African valuation practices with international benchmarks while ensuring local realities are not overlooked.
The signing of this partnership earlier this month marked a milestone in bridging South Africa’s valuation expertise with global best practice.
SAIV President Kobus Nel emphasised the opportunity for members to access world-class standards and resources. “This agreement allows us to collaborate with a globally respected body, share knowledge and strengthen recognition for our profession,” Nel said. He noted that the partnership is designed to equip valuers with the skills needed to navigate sustainability, digital disruption, and global capital flows.
Nicholas McLean, Acting President of RICS, framed the collaboration as part of a decentralisation drive. “Too many decisions reverted to London in the past decade. We are reorganising to empower regional boards to reflect local priorities,” he said. McLean stressed that valuation remains the bedrock of the surveying profession, with public duty as well as professional responsibility at stake. He also outlined plans to modularise training, enabling flexible qualification pathways over five to fifteen years, thereby widening access and equity in the profession.
The agreement sets out shared objectives: expanding Continuing Professional Development opportunities, enhancing mutual recognition of qualifications, encouraging joint research, and strengthening youth mentorship. Nel added, “By working with RICS, SAIV members gain enhanced global recognition and new opportunities, while RICS deepens its presence in Africa. Together, we can raise the profile of the profession and protect the public interest.”
Market observers note that the partnership could improve investor confidence in African property markets by standardising valuation practices. With Africa’s urbanisation projected to add 950 million people to cities by 2050, transparent and credible valuations will be critical for infrastructure finance and real estate investment.
The collaboration also signals a shift toward professional governance that balances global standards with local realities.
Looking ahead, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. If the partnership delivers on its promise, South Africa could emerge as a continental hub for valuation excellence, shaping policy and practice across Africa’s fastest-growing region.
As McLean concluded, “South Africa will play a key role in shaping the future of our profession globally.”
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