As nations and industries shift from ambition to execution in sustainability strategies, South Africa stands at a pivotal moment to redefine infrastructure as a vehicle for climate-resilient development, economic inclusion and measurable environmental impact, moving beyond traditional engineering outcomes toward holistic, people-centred systems. In 2026, the sustainability narrative is expected to shift globally: businesses and investors are prioritising execution over aspiration, with corporate strategies focused on outcomes that deliver resilience, competitiveness, circularity and measurable ESG performance. This shift aligns with broader trends in sustainable finance, where Africa is increasing its sustainable debt and climate finance flows, yet continues to face gaps between investment needs and available capital for infrastructure and climate adaptation.

These themes were central to a recent industry roundtable hosted by engineering and architecture firm GIBB, where leaders across the built environment reflected on the structural shifts needed to move South Africa from ambition to action.

According to GIBB Group CEO, Vishaal Lutchman, in 2026 sustainability can no longer be treated as a project-level consideration, noting that it is imperative that it become the organising principle of infrastructure systems, integrating economic growth, environmental responsibility, social upliftment and cultural relevance into a single delivery framework. Infrastructure, he argued, must be people-centred and designed for long-term sustainability rather than short-term outputs.

A persistent challenge undermining delivery is fragmentation across policy, planning, procurement and execution. Siloed approaches have weakened accountability and limited value creation. The roundtable emphasised the need for ecosystem-based thinking, where public and private stakeholders collaborate across value chains to deliver infrastructure that connects people to opportunity and supports economic participation. Infrastructure’s declining contribution to GDP further underscores the urgency of reform. GIBB General Manager: Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management, Ntshavheni Phidza, noted that inadequate maintenance, underinvestment and constrained transport and logistics networks continue to limit trade efficiency and market access. Reversing this trend will require smarter investment prioritisation, long-term planning certainty and credible public-private partnerships.

Transformation and inclusion remain equally critical. Danny Masimene, President of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment, highlighted how weak enforcement of procurement legislation and concentrated supply chains continue to inhibit meaningful participation by emerging players. Shifting procurement models away from lowest-cost outcomes toward quality, resilience and measurable social impact is essential to unlocking sustainable value. Governance and professional excellence were identified as non-negotiables. Prof Lufuno Ratsiku, President of the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions, warned that declining professional standards and limited accountability threaten delivery outcomes and public trust. Performance-based contracts, skills transfer and enforceable professional oversight are critical to improving quality and restoring confidence in the sector.

In conclusion, the key outcomes the panellists committed to implementing within their organisations is a decisive shift toward inclusive, bottom-up planning models that reflect community needs and local realities. By aligning governance, investment and skills development within integrated ecosystems, South Africa can unlock infrastructure that not only supports economic growth, but actively drives social equity and long-term resilience.