Africa is the world’s youngest, fastest growing, and also most rural continent. About 58 percent of the population – which currently stands at 1.5 billion and is projected to balloon to 2.4 billion by 2050 – still live in rural areas. Nevertheless, Africa, where the median age is a tender 19, is also driving global urbanization. In the next few decades, African cities are expected to go through a boom and expansion similar to those in the metropolises of Asia.

Given these dynamics, across Africa, a massive building surge is underway. An incredible 80 percent of the continent’s future buildings are yet to be constructed. The construction market is valued at USD 58.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 74.8 billion by 2029, growing steadily at over 5 percent each year — making it one of the fastest growing industries.

On the other hand, it’s no secret that there’s a global labor shortage in the construction sector. But thanks to recent transformations, some pioneering projects in Africa are poised to turn a potential crisis into an empowering opportunity, by hiring and training more women in construction.

Smashing Barriers: A Legacy of Exclusion

Historically, the construction industry has been a male-dominated field. Women have faced significant barriers to entry, often denied access to training opportunities or excluded from consideration for jobs traditionally seen as “men’s work.” Cultural norms and stereotypes have played a significant role in marginalizing women. These can range from the perception that construction is physically too demanding for women to societal expectations that women prioritize family care over professional careers.

However, gender equality in construction entails access to training, employment at all levels, and the ability to advance into leadership roles. Promoting diversity and inclusivity in construction isn’t just a social good; it’s a smart business decision. According to a McKinsey report, companies in the top quartile for board-gender diversity are 27 percent more likely to outperform financially than those in the bottom quartile.

Therefore, a construction industry that embraces gender equality will have access to a wider talent pool, fostering innovation and driving growth. Given the upcoming construction boom and the fact that Africa’s working age population will expand by 450 million people by 2035, the continent provides an ideal condition for creating thousands of new jobs in construction while embracing gender equality.

Paving the Way for Change: Policy and Legislation

African governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of gender equality in all sectors, and construction is no exception. This translates to policy reforms and legislative frameworks aimed at leveling the playing field.

This includes affirmative action measures like Rwanda’s target of 30 percent female participation in public projects and Kenya’s quota for women-owned businesses in procurement. Additionally, gender mainstreaming initiatives are integrating gender equality considerations into construction policies.

South Africa’s Construction Sector Charter promotes training programs for women and addresses workplace safety. In Ethiopia, it’s mandated by law that a woman works a construction job in the same way as a man, in terms of salaries, conditions, and benefits, and companies must develop plans for women’s recruitment and leadership advancement.

These policies demonstrate a growing commitment to creating a more inclusive construction industry in Africa.

Building a Culture of Respect: Toward Inclusive Workplaces

Creating construction workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all genders is essential for long-term success. This means fostering an environment that values diversity, promotes respect, and provides equal opportunities for everyone.

Several impact-focused organizations like BuildX Studio, Build Health International, and MASS Design Group are leading the way with equitable projects that demonstrate the positive outcomes of inclusive workplaces.

Initiatives to address gender-based discrimination, harassment, and bias are crucial for dismantling these barriers and creating a safe and empowering space for women in construction.

Building Skills & Confidence: Investing in the Future Workforce

Investing in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a powerful tool for boosting Africa’s economy and creating a more inclusive society.

Capacity building efforts are underway across the continent. From Somalia to Nigeria, new initiatives are popping up every year in different corners.

Vocational training programs provide women with the technical skills needed for construction jobs, from carpentry and welding to project management. Apprenticeship programs offer valuable on-the-job experience, allowing women to learn from experienced professionals and gain hands-on training in real-world construction settings.

In Kenya, the BuildHer project works to achieve exactly this. “Our challenge remains unprecedented: Empower women through high value jobs in a high growth male dominated sector while sustaining access to education, training and critical skills development for a vulnerable group who do not have the infrastructure or resources needed to access virtual or distance learning,” says Tatu Gatere, the Co-Founder & CEO of this project.

Constructing a Brighter Future: Progress and Opportunities

With the most recent transformations, many African countries are already ahead of their Western counterparts in terms of gender equality and women’s participation in construction.

For example, in South Africa, women make up about 10 percent of the construction sector, surpassing countries like the United States, Germany, Spain, and France. They’re already leaving their marks on the continent and altering the skylines of African cities with signature projects: In Johannesburg, nine out of 11 architects that built Africa’s tallest skyscraper were women.

Likewise, in Kenya, female students comprise a third of the learners in two public universities offering courses such as architecture, real estate, planning, construction management, quantity surveying, and interior design.

That said, while Africa has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in construction, challenges remain. Shifting deeply entrenched cultural norms and ensuring safe working environments for women on construction sites require ongoing effort. Additionally, access to finance for women-owned construction businesses needs to be improved.

Despite these hurdles, the opportunities are immense in one of Africa’s fastest growing sectors. A more inclusive construction industry will benefit from a wider talent pool, fostering innovation and contributing to Africa’s economic growth.

African Women Rising Along African Cities

By addressing these challenges and continuing to invest in training, mentorship, policy changes, and fostering inclusive work environments, Africa can solidify its embrace of gender equality in construction. This will empower women, create a more skilled and diverse workforce, and ultimately contribute to a more prosperous and equitable future for the entire continent.

Africa’s construction industry is undergoing a transformation, one that recognizes the valuable contributions women can make to building a brighter future.