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Home to the world’s first ever Africa is a hotspot for digital transformation in the construction industry. For example, an Africa-founded joint venture between Holcim and British International Investment, is revolutionizing the construction industry through 3D printing technology. The company printed the walls to build new schools in Malawi and Madagascar in 18 hours and continues to scale into more construction markets, including building a 52-house complex in Kenya. It is estimated that using conventional methods, it would take 70 years to build the number of classrooms UNICEF estimates are needed to meet the current classroom shortage in Malawi, but 14Trees says that

As I describe in my book, such African-led innovation is the result of unique dynamics on the continent that make Africa a potential leader in the construction industry. Advanced technologies are radically changing the construction industry landscape on the continent, which is particularly timely given that are scheduled or ongoing as of 2024. These major undertakings include housing, business parks, data centers, healthcare infrastructure, and ICT projects.

Growth in African infrastructure demand

The African infrastructure and construction sector is rapidly expanding to meet the demands of a growing population, In addition, Africa is rapidly urbanizing, with African cities growing by more than and . This rising demand brings challenges: According to the the financing gap for infrastructure development requires a mobilization of $100 billion per year.

Digitization of the construction industryÌý

Advanced technologies are changing the way new infrastructure and construction projects are implemented, boosting productivity and reducing costs. Between 2020 and 2022, signaling increasing trust in advanced technologies to deliver solutions across the industry.

Augmented reality helps with urban planning, while 3D printing, AI, and blockchain help streamline construction contracting and overall building design. IoT and sensor technologies track energy usage and make it possible to build energy-efficient buildings, and through long-term cost savings, improve health through better air quality and lighting, reduce environmental impacts by lowering energy consumption, and improve urban development through more efficient land use.

As an example, the use of drones, 3D printing, and green technologies to make water, energy, and resource infrastructure more efficient, primarily in private sector-funded smaller projects that tend to be more labor-intensive.

Green building technologies

Africa’s construction industry has the potential to act as a powerful example of the green building revolution, particularly since Widespread pressure is currently being put on the industry to reduce both waste and carbon emissions, given that the Ìý

Africa can chart its own path within green construction by integrating new green techniques into its construction industry from the beginning, rather than following the path of the Global North. By leveraging its large youth population and the natural resource endowments that span the continent, Africa can use cutting-edge technologies to green the building sector. 3D printing, for example, has been found to reduce the carbon footprint of building a house in Africa

South Africa’s construction market, is an example of a lucrative target for green building technologies. According to the South Africa already has a higher growth rate of green buildings compared to other regions such as Europe, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Brazil.

Strategies and looking ahead

The construction industry has historically been slow to adapt to new technologies, but Africa’s growing demand will require accelerated adoption. This means African countries should commit to long-term strategies to integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, systematically assess which technologies best suit their specific national context, and maximize technology transfer opportunities.

First, African governments need to focus on creating and committing to long-term strategies to leverage 4IR technologies within the infrastructure and construction industries, rather than relying on electoral politics to spur change. two-thirds of which are scheduled for the last quarter of the year. which can drive up demand for construction.¹ While investment is critical, elections are also a good time for leaders and civil society to frame the conversation beyond just infrastructure building and to focus more on policies for modernizing, digitalizing, and greening infrastructure and construction. Given the long-term nature of infrastructure projects, they require a commitment that lasts beyond an election cycle and is embedded within a country’s long-term strategy.

Second, as part of such long-term commitments, African countries should systematically explore and assess which technologies best fit within their specific construction industries. Each country’s unique position, from its endowments in natural resources to its tech hubs, will imply different strategies for tapping into the most effective 4IR green technologies.

For example, certain African countries might find it most advantageous to invest in localizing materials for 3D printing through financial incentives and policies aimed at supporting local manufacturing. The development of geomaterials and local bio-based or recycled materials that can be used for 3D printing which is often cited as one of the main challenges to expanding 3D printing within the African construction industry. Technologies that produce local materials for 3D printing such as green cement as countries seek to reduce their dependence on imports from firms in Europe and North America. Replacing conventional cement with new materials such as geopolymers

Third, as Africa continues to partner with other regions, African countries must strategize to maximize technology transfer opportunities. For example, African countries partner extensively with developed economies such as the United States and China, which use advanced construction technology. Expertise from such economies could be better leveraged by African countries through technology spillovers and university-industry linkage structures.Ìý

Good governance, investment protection laws, and effective regulatory systems will also be key for African governments to find niches within the 4IR that can serve as entry points for domestic and international companies within the construction industry. With a strategic, long-term vision for a green, 4IR-driven construction industry, African countries can bridge critical gaps in infrastructure. From homes and schools to roads and bridges, Africa is poised to move the continent toward becoming a global leader in the implementation of high-impact construction technologies.