Nigeria, Other African Nations Headline At Global Drive For Sustainable Construction

Nigeria and other African countries are set to take centre stage at Intermat 2027, one of the world’s leading construction and public works exhibitions, as global stakeholders intensify efforts to advance sustainable infrastructure development.

Organisers of the exhibition, scheduled to hold in Paris, France, from April 21 to 24, 2027, said Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, will be a major feature of the event’s agenda.

A key highlight will be the African Summit slated for April 22, 2027. The summit will bring together policymakers, investors, engineers, contractors and industry leaders to discuss opportunities for sustainable growth and infrastructure development across the continent.

Intermat, held every three years at Paris Nord Villepinte, serves as a global platform for manufacturers, contractors, distributors and construction professionals to showcase emerging technologies and industry solutions. The 2027 edition will be held alongside World of Concrete Europe.

Managing Director of Promosalons Nigeria and Cameroon, Akin Akinbola, said several Nigerian professional bodies and industry associations had begun mobilising participation for the exhibition.

According to him, organisations expected to participate include the Federation of Construction Industry, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, the Green Building Council Nigeria and the Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria.

The organisers said discussions at the exhibition would focus on economic, environmental and social sustainability, which have been identified as the key pillars shaping the future of the construction industry.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Chairman of DLR, Philippe Cohet, and Chairman of the National Federation of Public Works, Alain Grizaud, said sustainability had become a major challenge for the global construction sector.

They noted that the issue extends beyond environmental concerns to include economic viability and social impact as industries adapt to changing energy systems and market realities.

Intermat Director, Guillaume Schaeffer, said the industry’s focus had shifted from whether sustainability should be adopted to how it could be achieved in a commercially viable manner.

The exhibition will also examine financing models for low-carbon equipment, the adoption of cleaner energy technologies, digital construction tools and workforce development.

Organisers said the increased focus on Africa reflects the continent’s growing importance in infrastructure development and the opportunities presented by its expanding construction market and youthful workforce.

They added that the event would provide a platform for African stakeholders to engage with global innovations and emerging technologies shaping the future of sustainable construction.