The Nexus Green project in Uganda. Image: Turner and Townsend

Shamsher Singh, Africa regional lead for clean energy and transmission at multinational professional services company Turner & Townsend, has a front-row seat to this transformation. Speaking to Construction Briefing, he shared insights on how Africa is advancing in clean energy, navigating complex infrastructure challenges, and leveraging digital tools to drive growth.

According to Singh, the African construction industry is in a 鈥渉ighly positive situation,鈥� with the continent 鈥減oised to lead globally in several key areas over the coming decades 鈥� particularly within the clean energy sector.鈥�

One of the biggest drivers of growth is urbanisation. 鈥淩apid urbanisation, combined with significant investment in major infrastructure and energy projects, are set to drive construction sector growth by over 20% by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5% to 7%,鈥� Singh explained.

Yet the path forward is not without obstacles. Singh points to a range of challenges, from political instability and complex regulations to economic volatility. 鈥淗istorically, challenges around political stability, inflexible governance, and regulatory hurdles, combined with volatile currencies, high inflation, and budget deficits, created persistent investment gaps,鈥� he said.

But there are signs of improvement. Governments across Africa are actively working to attract investment by, 鈥渞emoving unnecessary regulatory barriers while maintaining important socio-economic requirements for investors and developers.鈥�

Clean energy: The power of hydrogen

South Africa is seeing significant expansion of its power grids. Image: Adobe Stock

Clean energy is a major focus for Africa鈥檚 future growth, and Singh sees immense potential across the continent. 鈥淎frica is abundantly rich in natural resources, particularly in energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal,鈥� he said.

But while these renewables are advancing, Singh believes hydrogen could be a game-changer, particularly for industries looking to decarbonise. 鈥淢ost African nations have made carbon emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement, demonstrating strong regional alignment with global climate goals,鈥� he noted.

To ensure clean energy delivers real benefits, Singh emphasises the importance of robust grid infrastructure. 鈥淒espite impressive strides in renewable energy adoption, much of Africa鈥檚 grid infrastructure remains outdated or insufficient to meet rising demand,鈥� he explained.

Major investments are already underway. In South Africa, for instance, significant expansion of power grids is progressing, and other regions are exploring hydrogen, solar, and wind solutions to diversify their energy mix.

The future of energy in Africa undoubtably comes from more than one source, but Singh believes that hydrogen has the potential to play a leading role in the Continent鈥檚 energy transition.

鈥淎frica鈥檚 green hydrogen sector is poised for growth, driven by its abundant renewable resources and strategic initiatives in collaboration with global community. While challenges such as economic viability and infrastructure limitations remain, the formation of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) signals the continent鈥檚 firm commitment to sustainable development and inclusive green industrialisation,鈥� he says.

鈥淭he Green Hydrogen Organisation (GH2) projections forecast AGHA member countries could develop a market for the use of up to 60 million tonnes of green hydrogen equivalent by 2050, which could potentially add $66鈥�126 billion to their GDP. This represents 6鈥�12% of these countries鈥� combined current output, and could create up to four million jobs.鈥�

He points to numerous developments including South Africa鈥檚 launch of Green Hydrogen Atlas; Namibia鈥檚 large scale green hydrogen programme which has received support from Germany; Morocco鈥檚 strong project pipeline of hydrogen projects focused on ammonia, green steel and industrial fuel; and Egypt鈥檚 green hydrogen and renewable energy projects based in the Suez Canal Economic zone.

Singh says that these projects, and more, 鈥減osition Africa as a frontrunner in the global green hydrogen economy, generating zero emission jobs, enhancing domestic energy security and unlocking export revenues aligned with net zero future.鈥�

How digital tools and data are transforming project delivery

Another game-changer for Africa鈥檚 construction sector is digital technology. Singh is clear that digital tools are no longer optional 鈥� they are essential. 鈥淒igitalisation is driving real innovation, revolutionising the entire value chain of the clean energy and transmission sector,鈥� he said.

He asserts that Turner & Townsend leverages, 鈥渨orld-class digital tools to turn data into actionable insights, empowering informed decision-making, enhancing performance, and minimising risks.鈥� These tools have a direct impact on project outcomes, enabling teams to monitor progress, anticipate risks, and maintain quality.

Shamsher Singh, Turner and Townsend. Image: Turner and Townsend.

However, Singh also acknowledges the challenges of digital adoption. 鈥淒igital tools can turn a good project into a great one. But they also require investment 鈥� in technology, in training, and in cultural change. Teams need to trust and use these tools, which doesn鈥檛 happen overnight.鈥�

Despite the promise of clean energy and digitalisation, Singh is candid about the critical infrastructure gaps that continue to hold back Africa鈥檚 potential. 鈥淚n many countries, the biggest challenge is simply getting the basics right. You can鈥檛 build a digital, clean energy future on a foundation of unreliable power and poor transport,鈥� he said.

Singh sees these gaps as an opportunity for the construction sector. 鈥淭here is an abundance of opportunities for construction across Africa 鈥� driven not only by rapid urban and infrastructure growth, but also by the population boom expected over the coming decades.鈥�

Governments are also adopting policies to ensure new projects benefit local communities. 鈥淢ajor projects in most African nations now require the employment of local labour, investment in community infrastructure, and contributions to upskilling local teams,鈥� Singh explained.

South Africa is a leading example where, 鈥渆very major project must allocate at least 30% of its budget toward local contributions,鈥� he said. This approach not only delivers infrastructure but also builds domestic skills and capacity.

Singh believes that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for Africa鈥檚 growth. 鈥淪trong collaboration between the public and private sectors remains pivotal to achieving sustainable growth and long-term strategic objectives,鈥� he said.

Africa鈥檚 construction industry is experiencing rapid growth, partly driven by clean energy development

The success of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is already visible in the energy sector, with renewable energy programmes operating under models like PPP, BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer), and DBFO (Design-Build-Finance-Operate). 鈥淭hese models demonstrate the power of synergy between public governance and private innovation,鈥� Singh noted.

The future of construction in Africa

Looking ahead, Singh is optimistic about Africa鈥檚 construction industry, but he is clear that success will depend on innovation, skills, and investment. Clean energy is essential, but it must be backed by strong infrastructure, digital tools, and a skilled workforce.

鈥淐lean energy, digitalisation, and skills development are the three pillars that will define the future of Africa鈥檚 construction sector,鈥� he said, before emphasising that success is not just about technology.

鈥淎t the end of the day, construction is a people business. It鈥檚 about giving people the tools, the skills, and the opportunities they need to build a better future.鈥�