If there is one theme running through our 2026 Global Annual Report, it is this: the built environment is being asked to deliver more, with less margin for error, than ever before.
Ambition alone is not enough. Judgement matters just as much.
In this report, we demonstrate how our judgement – guided by our company values: Truth, Trust, Together and Tomorrow – translates into better value and better outcomes through trusted market intelligence, inspiring thought leadership and flawless project execution.
This is how we make progress for our clients and communities.
What is the outlook for the construction sector in Africa?
In the Our data section, we review the last 12 months of activity across construction markets worldwide and provide our forecasts for the year ahead and beyond. Our local analysts in Africa report that:
- Africa’s construction sector is expected to outperform many global regions over the medium term.
- Within South Africa, market conditions remain mixed, with selective recovery emerging across provinces.
- Namibia presents growing opportunities across mining-related infrastructure, transport and private sector social developments.
- The DRC continues to offer high-value opportunities driven by large-scale mining activity and associated logistics and transport infrastructure.
Read our full analysis here, access more market intelligence for the region here, and use our Construction Cost Calculator to estimate the costs of your next project with our industry-leading tools.
How can AI and technology improve sustainability in construction?
In the Our ideas section, our subject matter experts explore how the construction industry can respond to rising expectations for sustainable, ethical, productive and value-adding projects.
Jodach Mudaly, Candidate Quantity Surveyor, RLB in Africa, explains how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and real-time asset data can be used to develop models that will predict carbon emissions and costs throughout a built asset’s life cycle before construction starts, advancing sustainability in the built environment.
Read the full article here.
How did RLB deliver cost planning excellence in Malawi?
The Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls by Marriott will introduce a new level of four-star comfort and hospitality to Malawi’s growing capital city.
In the Our projects section, learn how our cost consultants used their unrivalled experience of delivering world-class developments in Africa’s emerging markets to keep the project on course for completion.
Read the full case study here.
A better built environment for everyone
At RLB, we are passionate about what we do, and happy to share our knowledge for the benefit of everyone, which is why we are proud to showcase our data, our ideas and our projects. You can access them all here in RLB’s 2026 Global Annual Report.
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