Africa is experiencing a transformative shift towards digitalisation, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) emerging as a cornerstone of this evolution, writes Uboho Othman of BIM Africa
BIM, a collaborative process that utilises digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings and infrastructure, has gained traction globally for its ability to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks and improve project outcomes.
The journey toward widespread adoption of BIM in Africa begins with awareness, and construction professionals – architects, engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, designers, facilities managers, etc – both in the academia and industry are increasingly recognising BIM’s potential.
Although the African AEC/O community is progressing rather slowly towards BIM while more developed economies are way ahead, the momentum is steadily building, fuelled by a convergence of factors that underscore its significance in reshaping the construction industry on the continent.
Catalysts for change
The increasing sophistication of our construction firms and the growing digital literacy among industry professionals have catalysed the uptake of BIM in Africa. With advancements in technology and the availability of training programmes, more construction professionals are equipping themselves with the necessary skills to leverage BIM effectively.
Amid this transformative shift, BIM Africa stands as a beacon, championing the awareness, adoption and implementation of BIM standards and best practices across the continent. BIM Africa’s pivotal role in advancing BIM adoption is undeniable.
It catalyses industry-wide collaboration and knowledge exchange through education, training and advocacy. By hosting conferences, workshops and publishing research, BIM Africa creates a vibrant ecosystem where stakeholders can learn from each other, share insights and collectively improve the standard of construction practices. These engagements cut across the academia too, with activities such as student advocacy programmes and student competitions.
African BIM Report
One of the key initiatives by BIM Africa to enhance BIM awareness, adoption and implementation on the continent is the African BIM Report. The African BIM Report, with its inaugural release in 2020 and a second edition in 2022, is currently underway with the 2024 edition.
This report is a comprehensive guide, documenting the progress made thus far in BIM adoption and the opportunities that lie ahead. It offers valuable benchmarking data, actionable insights, case studies, industry trends and regional perspectives. For instance, from the survey findings in the ABR 2020 report from over 1,100 respondents, about 12% and 25% of respondents projected to use BIM for all projects by 2021 and 2023 respectively, which aligned with the 23% of respondents who implemented BIM by 2022 as reported by ABR 2022.
The report has received positive feedback from stakeholders in academia and industry research, and serves as a roadmap for governments, policymakers and industry leaders to harness the transformative potential of BIM and drive sustainable development agendas across the continent.
As the African BIM Report 2024 takes shape, it will provide a timely opportunity for insights into the progress of BIM adoption across the continent and an examination of the drivers shaping the future of digital construction.
BIM in Africa: Drivers for the future
Looking ahead, the future of digital construction in Africa hinges on several key drivers, such as technological innovation, regulatory reforms, infrastructural development, shifting market dynamics, industry collaboration and a revamping of construction education.
As technology evolves, so does BIM. Integrating BIM into mainstream construction practices will become increasingly indispensable as digital twins, artificial intelligence and automation continue to reshape the built environment. Furthermore, aligning BIM with emerging trends such as green building, smart cities and circular economy principles will enhance its relevance and impact.
The pressing need for infrastructure development to support rapid urbanisation and economic growth is a crucial driver for BIM in Africa. The demand for innovative solutions that optimise resources and deliver sustainable infrastructure is paramount, from mega-projects like transportation networks and energy facilities to commercial and residential developments.
Governments, as key stakeholders, play a crucial role in promoting BIM adoption. Their policies, incentives and mandates can significantly accelerate its implementation. By prioritising investments in digital infrastructure and establishing supportive regulatory frameworks, governments can provide the necessary environment to incentivise BIM adoption, giving the industry a sense of reassurance about the future of BIM in Africa.
According to the ABR 2020 and ABR 2022, the construction populace also strongly believes that apart from the lack of training in BIM skills and standards, the lack of government support is a major reason for the slow uptake of BIM in Africa.
BIM adoption thrives when stakeholders collaborate
Whether part of an industry association, academia or a private enterprise, every stakeholder is crucial in driving this change. Realising the full potential of BIM in Africa will require concerted efforts from all.
Industry associations and academia, in particular, can collaborate to develop localised training programmes and certifications that cater to the unique needs and challenges of the African context.
Moreover, private sector players must embrace BIM as a strategic imperative and invest in technology, talent and processes to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
In conclusion, as the continent navigates the complexities of urbanisation, infrastructure development and sustainable growth, BIM emerges as a powerful enabler of progress and prosperity. With the promises of rapid BIM adoption, Africa is set for a future where digital construction is synonymous with innovation, efficiency and excellence.
BIM Africa advocates for a paradigm shift among AEC professionals, from occasional or non-usage to wholeheartedly embracing complete BIM implementation and other digital tools within the construction field. The adoption of BIM promises to enhance collaboration, efficiency, sustainability and innovation, transforming construction methodologies and paving the way for a better future for the continent.
