South Africa’s construction industry continues to lag behind global leaders in the adoption of emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and broader Construction 4.0 tools, with adoption generally remaining limited and uneven across the sector.
However, there is growing evidence of increased participation and influence of women in the industry, including in technical and leadership roles, contributing to efforts aimed at accelerating digital transformation and addressing this gap.
The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) is now calling on these innovators to enter its 2026 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards.
A recent University of Pretoria study, BIM Adoption and Implementation Trends in the South African AEC Industry, found that while 73% of industry participants are aware of these technologies, practical implementation remains hampered by cost barriers, skills gaps and resistance to change.
“As cidb, we know there are women who are adopting these technologies more and more in their businesses. Through recent engagements at events such as Big 5 Construct South Africa and our own roadshows, we’ve seen real enthusiasm across the industry to start implementing technologies that will improve how we build,” says cidb CEO Bongani Dladla.
Bongani Dladla - cidb CEO