In May 2025, the city of Nairobi became the beating heart of a continental movement, as visionaries, scientists, engineers, and policymakers converged for the Sustainable Construction in Africa (SCA25) Conference. Hosted at the elegant Argyle Grand Hotel, this landmark event was more than a gathering- it was a celebration of African ingenuity, a call to action, and a blueprint for a greener, more resilient built environment.
Organized by the Laboratory of Construction Materials (LMC) at EPFL, Switzerland, and Meru University of Science and Technology, Kenya, SCA25 brought together over 200 participants from more than 20 countries. The organizing committee, led by Prof. Karen Scrivener (EPFL), Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu (Meru University), and Dr. Alice Titus Bakera (University of Dar es Salaam/EPFL), curated a program that bridged continents and disciplines.
The conference theme- “Sustainable Construction in Africa”- reflected the urgent need for innovative, context-specific solutions to support Africa’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure demands. The message was clear: Africa must build, but it must build sustainably!
The heart of SCA25 beat in its technical sessions, where over 50 peer-reviewed papers were presented. Researchers unveiled advances in supplementary cementitious materials—think rice husk ash, volcanic ash, and gold tailings—turning what was once waste into the building blocks of tomorrow. Others showcased bio-based bricks, earth blocks fortified with sisal or straw, and ingenious ways to recycle industrial by-products for robust, affordable housing.
Discussions ranged from the durability of new materials to the life cycle impacts of construction, with a strong focus on local resource utilization. The message resonated: Africa’s future cities can rise from its own soil, powered by its own innovation.
Beyond the science, SCA25 was a crucible for collaboration. Panel discussions and exhibitions brought together government officials, industry leaders, and academics to debate policy, share best practices, and forge new partnerships. Sessions on capacity building highlighted the importance of training the next generation of African engineers and architects, ensuring that sustainable construction is not just a trend, but a tradition.
The conference concluded with a site visit to Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s audacious “Silicon Savannah.” As the convoy snaked through Machakos County, participants witnessed the transformation of open savannah into a smart city powered by renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and green design. Konza is more than a city-in-the-making; it’s a living laboratory for sustainable urbanism, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when ambition meets innovation.
SCA25 was not just about presentations and panels—it was about planting seeds. The proceedings, published under a Creative Commons license, now serve as a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers across Africa and beyond. The conference’s impact will ripple outward, inspiring new projects, policies, and partnerships.
The success of SCA25 was made possible by the dedication of its organizing and scientific committees, the generosity of sponsors, and the passion of every participant. As the final session closed and delegates began their journeys home, one thing was certain: the spirit of SCA25 would endure. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the red earth of rural Africa, a new vision for sustainable construction had taken root.
Africa’s future is rising!
For more information and to access the full proceedings, visit https://infoscience.epfl.ch/bitstreams/a1ad2163-973f-4b2f-8603-7fa1f1245dd1/download