Written by The construction sector in Africa needs to undergo a transformative shift, increasing its adoption of critical digital technologies. The combination of rapid urbanisation, economic growth and infrastructure needs has created a fertile ground for digital transformation.
Digitisation sits at the heart of ambitious transformation plans for many nations, as it is seen to play a role in increasing efficiency and improving productivity. However, the adoption of digital technologies within the construction industries varies across the region.
Why is this? Many reasons but at the core is a need for investment – whether it be the capital investment required for the technologies or investment in education and training.
When technology and development go hand-in-hand, the importance of education and training comes to the fore – new skills are needed. Investment in developing digital capacity and capability is essential across the construction sector which is critical to the success of key infrastructure projects and more.
“Digital skills” is a far-reaching term, encompassing core digital literacy as well as specialist skills – the ability to use digital tools and platforms, data analysis, cybersecurity, and the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). In the context of construction, such digital skills are vital for improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing safety and ensuring the sustainability of projects.
One of the primary reasons digital skills are critical in construction is the need for accurate and efficient project management. Tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) allow for the creation of detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure, enabling better planning and collaboration among stakeholders. This technology not only improves the precision of designs but also helps in anticipating potential issues before they become costly problems.
Investment in infrastructure is key
It is fair to say that many recognise that robust infrastructure is essential for economic development, social inclusion and regional stability.
As we reference in our latest insight report, Constructing Skills for African Prosperity, according to Foresight Africa:
“Especially roads, connect people, resources, and information. From providing physical access to markets, customers, suppliers, to reducing transportation and transaction costs. Roads and other transport and communication infrastructure are the arteries of the economy, facilitating innovation, specialization, and competitiveness across the continent.”
Projects ranging from transportation networks and energy systems to water supply and digital infrastructure, are vital.
At the recent meeting of the G7 in Italy, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) reiterated its support for the Loboto rail corridor – a project which will connect southern and central Africa, bringing vital telecommunication and other infrastructure to the region.
The African Digital Infrastructure Initiative is a collaborative effort to improve digital connectivity across the continent. This project aims to lay down extensive fibre optic networks and enhance mobile connectivity, thereby facilitating the adoption of digital technologies in various sectors.
The Trans-African Highway Network is designed to link major cities across the continent with modern roadways. Arguably, the project’s success hinges on the application of advanced digital tools for planning, construction and maintenance. Digital skills are essential here, as they enable the use of drones for site surveys, GIS for mapping and planning and BIM for providing a basis for decision-making throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Making a commitment to a digital skills transformation
The transformation is not just about building roads or skyscrapers; it’s about creating a foundation for long-term economic development and improving the quality of life for millions of people across the continent.
As digital tools become more integrated into construction processes, the need for a digitally literate workforce becomes ever more pressing, making education and training vital.
A skills-focused education system needs to make sure that skills supply keeps up with industry demand. Education has a role to play in producing the people needed to drive digital transformation across the AEC sector – the right number of people, with the right skills at the right levels to develop and adopt digital systems, such as BIM.
As one of the youngest populations in the world, adequate investments need to be made in education and learning that hold value in the labour market for the long-term. A reshaping of educational and training curricula – from pre-primary to tertiary and lifelong learning – will need to happen to enable the adoption of ever-evolving digital technologies.
According to the African Union,
“education systems need to be flexible, inclusive, proactive and tuned into producing a new breed of workforce that readily and continually learns and unlearns on a wide array of complex skills and competency required in the ever-changing digital world”.
Curricula need to encourage critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence as well as accelerate acquisition of digital and STEM skills.
By investing in digital skills, Africa can not only improve its infrastructure but also create jobs and foster economic growth. The construction industry, with its extensive value chain, can become a major driver of this growth, provided it embraces the digital revolution.
Players across the sector need to adopt new working practices and embrace technology – by doing so they’ll increase efficiency, improve safety standards and contribute to sustainability goals.
Governments and educational institutions need to inspire an increasingly youthful population – they need to accept collective responsibility for preparing them for careers in a transformed construction landscape.
We all need to make an investment into digital skills now – and in doing so shore up the foundations for critical infrastructure and economic growth across a continent on the cusp of transformation.
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr. Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Drawing on exemplars from Autodesk Authorized Learning Partners, our insight report “Constructing Skills for African Prosperity” is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. In this report we explore some of the unique challenges and opportunities affecting the region. We consider factors impacting the rate of change and adoption of technologies in the sector. We also ponder how, in a region facing a significant “youth bulge”, capability and skills gaps which exist now, could be further widened in the future. Drawing on industry exemplars, we offer practical solutions and suggest actions for players across the AEC ecosystem.