By: Chris Smith - SVP International, RIB Software

The construction sector is stepping into 2026 with confidence and a renewed sense of readiness. RIB Software’s Industry Outlook 2026 Survey shows that 96% of respondents expect their revenue growth this year, highlighting re-energised sentiment. The survey also reflects strong participation from the sector’s core markets across Africa, with building, civils and general contracting forming the bulk of the sample.

“We are pleased to see the sector taking active steps to plan for growth, rather than waiting for it,” says (Chris Smith, SVP International, RIB Software). “Companies are putting more resources into technology to build stronger pipelines, helping teams plan, price, and deliver with greater confidence.”

After navigating some tough years marked by loadshedding, site disruptions and a constrained market, firms now describe 2026 as a year for sharper execution. The survey highlights four key technologies that companies intend to roll out, that include estimating and planning software, project management software, cloud and real‑time collaboration, and project accounting tools. Respondents also leaned in beyond the basic questions, offering 95 open‑ended insights that reflect practical priorities and day‑to‑day delivery pressures.

Across these detailed responses, contractors highlight the need to link estimating, planning and cost control so teams share a single, clear view of the project. Project managers want more consistent handovers, quicker approvals and better‑documented change control, and finance leaders want tighter alignment between costs and schedules from the start, which helps flag potential overruns earlier. Many also see scenario planning as essential, especially when materials, weather or access can shift timelines.

Building and civil firms say they plan to use 2026 to shift from scattered spreadsheets to cloud-based workflows that keep field teams, office staff, and partners on the same page. Many see this change as the fastest way to improve communication and cut delays across multiple sites. Instead of just adopting new tools, respondents stress the importance of making daily decisions with better information, which helps keep projects on track.

“This is not about chasing the latest technology,” Chris adds. “It is about creating a steady delivery rhythm. When estimators, planners, site teams and accountants work from the same information, risks are spotted earlier and dealt with faster. That is how firms turn growing pipelines into results that clients and communities can trust.”

The survey shows a sense of realistic optimism. Firms are excited about growth, but they also know what steps they need to take to keep it going. They want better coordination, stronger accountability, and fewer blind spots throughout each project. Since most respondents expect higher revenue and are focusing on the same tools, it’s clear that digital delivery is becoming the normal way of working.

RIB Software will keep analysing the data to find patterns that are most important to owners and contractors. This means looking at where using digital tools can make tendering, planning, procurement, and project accounting smoother, and where improvements in time, cost, and risk can be seen the fastest.

“Confidence is back, but it must come with discipline,” Chris concludes. “Firms are planning with more intention and executing with more control. When teams connect their data, tighten their handovers and act early on risks, they turn a positive outlook into projects delivered with consistency and far fewer surprises along the way.”