Engineering Expert Proposed AI for African Infrastructure
Dr. Bola Mudasiru highlighted digital twin technology to address the continent's growing infrastructure financing gap.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Engr. Dr. Bola Mudasiru presented a framework for utilizing AI and digital twins to optimize infrastructure development at the UNESCO Africa Engineering Week. The strategy aims to improve efficiency and returns as Africa faces a multibillion-dollar financing shortfall.
Why it matters
Adopting advanced technology can increase the predictability of construction projects and maximize the impact of limited funding. This approach is essential for managing the needs of a population projected to reach 4 billion by the end of the century.
Digital twins utilize sensors to provide real-time updates for virtual replicas of physical assets. These tools assist in the entire infrastructure lifecycle, ranging from initial design and construction to long-term operations and maintenance.
The players
Bola Mudasiru
He is the acting national chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers and vice president-elect of the West African Federation of Engineering Organisations.
UNESCO Africa Engineering Week
This annual event gathers professionals to address the development challenges and technical advancement of engineering projects across the continent.
The details
Mudasiru outlined how AI can enhance the performance of infrastructure projects throughout their existence, supporting planning and final asset replacement. Digital twins specifically allow for better decision-making by creating virtual models that reflect the current physical state of transport and highway systems.
Timeline
September 2026: Dr. Bola Mudasiru presented his paper in Dar es Salaam.
2050: The African population is projected to reach 2.5 billion, with infrastructure requirements exceeding $250 billion.
2100: The African population is projected to reach 4 billion, with infrastructure requirements exceeding $400 billion.
The Tech Race
The push to integrate AI into civil engineering marks a transition from manual, reactive maintenance to predictive, data-driven asset management. This shift positions engineering firms to replace legacy spreadsheet-based planning with autonomous systems that optimize capital allocation.
Improved infrastructure efficiency can lead to better-maintained roads and more reliable transportation networks for residents. These advancements aim to reduce the long-term cost of public works projects, potentially stabilizing infrastructure funding requirements for taxpayers.
The takeaway
Technological integration is shifting from a luxury to a necessity as population growth outpaces current infrastructure capacity. Implementing digital replicas today can help bridge the massive financing gap projected for the coming decades.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving use of these systems, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Leadership.
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Can digital technologies like AI bridge the massive infrastructure funding gaps in developing nations?
