The African BIM Report (ABR) 2024 highlights groundbreaking projects and case studies, numerous experts’ visions, and key findings of the 2024 survey responses from 32 countries.
The launch ceremony was held virtually on the 27th of February, 2024, outlining snippets of the feature projects and case studies, experts, and the African BIM Survey. The event was moderated by Izuchukwu Ani Stanley, the Secretariat of the Research and Development Committee. The event commenced with a welcome address from the Executive Director of BIM Africa, Mohammad AlAgouz.
The co-directors of the Africa BIM Report, Dr Ons Najjar Mansour and Dr Noha Saleeb, presented the key takeaways of the report and recognised the various volunteers and organisations that contributed to the success of ABR 2024. Their presentation also outlined the different challenges, opportunities and solutions for advancing the digital advancement and sustainability of the African construction sector. The coordinators of the various sections then presented a summary of the contents within the report. Tubi Otitooluwa, the Coordinator for Projects, outlined that the report featured six projects across multiple countries and project types. Brian Boit, the Coordinator for Experts Vision, indicated that the section integrated the opinion of 11 experts of diverse disciplines with about 178 cumulative years of experience. Izuchukwu presented the last section of the report, outlining that the survey received about 600 responses from 32 African countries.
A panel discussion, moderated by the co-directors, explored the Future of Sustainable BIM in Africa with Innovative Industry 4.0 Technologies. The panel featured Engr. Kehinde Adeyemi (Director, BIM Africa), Dr Calayde Davey (Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria), Najib Adouane (Head of Digital Delivery, JESA; VP, buildingSMART Morocco) and Wambui Maina (Senior BIM Manager, MACE Group).
The ABR 2024 was launched thereafter, enabling participants to access the report. ABR 2024 focuses on sustainability and circularity by investigating the alignment of Africa’s adoption of BIM and integrated digital delivery with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. By incorporating the SDGs, the African construction industry can significantly reduce the continent’s environmental impact, promote social inclusion, enhance economic growth, protect Africa’s rich biodiversity, and address climate issues like climate change, responsible consumption, and sustainable cities. This approach encourages using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and innovative technologies that minimize waste and lower carbon footprints.
Various questions from the audience were also addressed by the panelists, highlighting the essential requirements for the increased adoption of digital technologies across the continent. The Executive Director of BIM Africa closed the event with a note of appreciation to all contributors and implored the audience to engage with the various initiatives by BIM Africa..