The construction and public works industry (BTP) is one of the key drivers of growth in Africa, accounting for nearly 6.7% of the continent’s GDP. Yet, despite rapid urbanization—with more than 1.3 billion Africans expected to live in urban areas by 2050—the sector struggles to meet infrastructure and housing needs. Faced with challenges such as financing constraints, rising material costs, and a lack of innovation, industry players are seeking solutions. In this context, the 2025 African Building and Related Trades Exhibition stands out as a strategic platform for redefining the sector’s challenges.
The construction and public works sector (BTP) is a pillar of economic development in Africa, driven by rapid urbanization and growing demands for modern infrastructure. However, insufficient funding and a lack of innovation are slowing its expansion on a continent where 1.3 billion people are expected to live in urban areas by 2050. Since April 1st, the 2025 edition of the African Building and Related Trades Exhibition has been bringing together decision-makers, experts, and investors in Douala, Cameroon, to rethink solutions tailored to the continent’s urbanization challenges.
Building, or more broadly the construction and public works sector (BTP), is what contributes to the well-being of citizens in a city. To achieve this, citizens need to be informed and have reliable partners to ensure sustainable construction. That is the role the Chamber generally plays seeking partners abroad to establish joint ventures with Cameroonian partners. This is what we are doing with Tunisia, which has made significant progress in this field.”
Christophe Eken , President Chamber of Commerce – Cameroon
Innovation and regional cooperation are emerging as essential drivers for addressing these challenges. Countries like Tunisia are already integrating advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, which reduces construction costs by 30%. Cameroon, for its part, is relying on public-private partnerships, which currently finance more than 25% of major infrastructure projects. With the expansion of the AfCFTA, intra-African trade in the construction and public works sector (BTP) could increase by 52% by 2040, paving the way for stronger market integration.
Public-private partnerships are an initiative that we encourage. We have many partners Tunisia, which is here now, as well as many others who assist us with various major projects. Whether it’s road projects or the construction of social housing, we actively promote this form of partnership because, as you know, the state alone cannot fully assume all the responsibilities expected of it.
Mathurin Nna, Secretary General at the Ministry of Housing – Cameroon
With urbanization advancing twice as fast as the global average, Africa has no choice but to rethink its approach to the construction and public works sector (BTP). Between structural challenges and economic opportunities, the sector’s transformation will require increased local industrialization, adequate financing, and the large-scale integration of new technologies. Afribat 2025 embodies this dynamic a hub where decision-makers, industry leaders, and investors are shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow. Africa must not only build; it must lay the foundation for a solid and sustainable future.