Informal Sector Inclusion in Sustainable Concrete Construction in Africa

Concrete used as a construction material is inevitable in Africa’s rapid urban growth, despite its significant contribution to carbon emissions. Hence, best practice concrete with reduced Portland cement clinker needs to be applied. The highly informal nature of Africa’s construction sector could impede the implementation of sustainable concrete construction. Although urgent need for economisation unintentionally often leads informal actors to operate according to circularity principles, the sector lacks awareness of climate challenges and incentives for adopting climate-friendly materials and technologies. In addition, the informal sector is prone to fraudulent adulterated materials and components causing challenges for safe and durable construction. The authors elaborate on the crucial role of the informal sector in driving sustainable construction forward, despite the lack of policies and disinterest from regulatory bodies. Solutions through education, communication, and quality control are proposed and discussed.