Sales Manager at Legend Exhibition, Olajumoke Azeez, has urged African countries to abandon outdated building methods and embrace modern construction technologies that prioritise safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

Speaking recently in Lagos ahead of BUILDMACEX 2026, West Africa’s flagship building and construction exhibition, Azeez warned that continued reliance on informal practices, substandard materials, and weak regulatory oversight is stalling infrastructure growth across the continent and endangering lives.

“Many firms still view Building Information Modelling as an expensive luxury instead of a long-term investment,” she said. “BUILDMACEX aims to change that mindset through webinars, masterclasses, and partnerships that drive awareness and capacity building.”

She identified high implementation costs, a shortage of skilled professionals, and limited stakeholder awareness as major barriers hindering BIM adoption across Africa.

Azeez called on both government and private sector actors to invest in technical education, develop supportive policy frameworks, and champion innovation to drive widespread use of smart construction technologies.

According to her, this year’s exhibition will showcase critical industry data and trends, including breakthroughs in construction tech, sustainable materials, machinery innovations, and regulatory developments. These insights, she noted, will be vital for guiding local and international investment decisions in the sector.

Beyond technology, Azeez also warned of the consequences of poor urban planning, highlighting the overcrowding and infrastructural strain seen in megacities like Lagos and Nairobi.

She called for smarter urban policies, decentralised economic development, improved public transport systems, and affordable housing to ensure Africa’s cities are liveable and future-ready.

“As Africa continues to urbanise rapidly, we must rethink how we build. Innovation, collaboration, and letting go of outdated construction norms are no longer optional; they are essential,” the expert noted.

Azeez also underlined the networking and investment opportunities BUILDMACEX offers participants, reinforcing the event’s role in shaping the future of construction in Africa.