Big 5 Construct Southern Africa and co-located events will educate and inspire the industry with the latest trends, innovations and opportunities
The Southern African construction industry is resilient and has an optimistic future, with its output expected to increase by 3.2% this year, surpassing the 1.7% growth achieved in 2022 . Recognising this progress and positivity is the next edition of the Big 5 Construct Southern Africa expo, with co-located events African Smart Cities Summit and the inaugural Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg this June.
“These events are not only promoting upcoming projects, trends and opportunities in Southern Africa’s construction market; they are celebrating the great work being done in the industry, inspiring even greater things, and striving towards a futureproofed industry, says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built Environment at dmg events, the organisers behind the events.
“The construction industry has faced challenges, but is in recovery. There are many opportunities and many professionals in the industry with exciting ideas and fresh perspectives to share. These events will provide the chance to explore opportunities to collectively ensure industry resilience and growth.”
The 10th annual Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, taking place from 27-29 June offers contractors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, designers and property owners a one-stop-shop to identify viable opportunities and materials to complete projects efficiently and on budget.
The African Smart Cities Summit runs on 28 June 2023 and is Africa’s only dedicated conference exploring the benefits of smart cities enabled through economic growth in IoT, technology and creative thinking.
The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards on 27 June have been created as a platform to celebrate the achievements and transformation of the construction industry that goes beyond traditional measures of project delivery.
These events serve as a hub for the Southern African construction industry and combine 200+ exhibitors and 30+ associated partners.
The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) is among the associated partners with this year’s Big 5 Construct Southern Africa. “It’s a privilege to be affiliated with events that are tailored to our industry and that stand for promotiong innovation and professionalism. We look forward to engaging with the many stakeholders and representatives who will come together to showcase new ideas and to determine the way forward to ignite further progress in the construction sector within Southern Africa,” says Henry Cockcroft from the CMA.
“Uniting as an industry to address and solve the current problems and realities allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we can do together to make the most of the future. These events will offer unrivaled networking and deal-making opportunities, combining all facets of construction infrastructure in Southern Africa and are not to be missed, “ Behr concludes.
Driving progress towards a resilient, transparent, and transformed construction industry, top ministers to attend
Tackling corruption, imbalance and destructive delays in the local construction environment are essential for the industry to do well. From AI-based solutions to removing regulatory stumbling blocks, the industry needs to come together to plot the way forward.
To facilitate this, the Big 5 Construct Southern Africa Stakeholders Engagement Forum, hosted in partnership with NAFBI will once again be taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg this June. The Forum is co-located with a number of industry events including Totally Concrete, the African Smart Cities Summit and the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards.
“The African Smart Cities Summit will bring together the continent’s brightest minds to collaborate in advancing Africa’s cities, addressing the best practices and lessons learned in the field of smart city development,” says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director at dmg events.
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 28 June 2023, the African Smart Cities Summit will be co-located with Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, running from 27-29 June 2023, and will host top industry professionals through a series of panel discussions and real-life case studies to inspire successful smart city projects across the continent.
Designing resilient smart cities that allow urban populations to thrive will be the theme for this year’s Summit and attendees will witness how Africa can create cities that are far more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly, considering local needs, through the use of smarter and interoperable techniques, technologies, and ideas.
Victor Radebe, Co-Founder of the Mobility Centre for Africa (NPC) will open the Summit and says: “With the right strategies and investments in place, African smart cities can become beacons of innovation and progress for the continent and the world.”
Discover how transport and mobility are intertwined with wider social systems and structures, where smart mobility considerations include introducing low emission zones, urban tolls, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, electromobility and personal mobility vehicles (PMVs). Electric motorcycle usage in Africa has increased from under five million in 2010 to an estimated 27 million in 2022, 80% of which is for commercial use , adding to the narrative of smart mobility disruption on the continent.
Leadership will be high on the agenda at the Summit, as it has become obvious that advances in information and communication technology (ICT) are central for the transformation of cities into smart cities. Yet, it is the ability to apply ICT efficiently that defines whether a smart city will be resilient and sustainable. The leadership and decision-making for urban design and the built environment development is of utmost importance for any smart city.
Many African cities need improved digital infrastructure to support smart city technologies, such as high-speed broadband networks and reliable power supplies. A panel discussion by the eThekwini Municipality will examine the role of resilience in building smart cities and how to maintain infrastructure in the face of disasters.
Mike Salawou, Ag. Director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, African Development Bank will present on Climate and COP27: Political Pressures & Investment Implications to ponder among other topics, the long-term investment opportunities in physical assets to achieve global net zero goals. It will take collective, consistent efforts to reach net zero and the Summit provides a unique platform to leverage the latest technological advances and funding solutions for the betterment of the continent.
Together we can build new networks that foster long-term efficiency and will create a more connected and sustainable urban environment for all.
Chuma Mbambo, Consultant: Smart Cities Programme, The World Bank and advisory board member to the African Smart Cities Summit agrees. “I am thrilled to attend the African Smart Cities Summit – a crucial event in Africa’s pursuit of creating future-proof cities that cater to diverse communities’ specific needs. This year’s programme promises a glimpse into the future of urban development, where innovation and sustainability are harmonised to transform the African socio-economic and spatial landscape. I cannot wait to witness the unveiling of groundbreaking solutions that will help us create inclusive and sustainable cities for generations to come,” Mbambo says.
Attendees will witness how Africa can establish cities that are efficient, resilient, environmentally friendly, and considerate of local needs through using smarter techniques and technologies.
“Connect with top industry players and uncover the smartest solutions for city-living in Africa. Registration to attend is now open,” Behr concludes.
