CIOB & ConstructAfrica Student Challenge 2026

Summary

About the Challenge

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in partnership with ConstructAfrica, is proud to launch the CIOB & ConstructAfrica Student Challenge 2026.

This student challenge provides an opportunity for future construction and built environment professionals to apply their knowledge to a real-world industry problem: delivering affordable, high-quality and scalable housing solutions across Africa.

Working in multidisciplinary teams, students will develop a complete project proposal that demonstrates construction leadership, technical competence, commercial awareness, sustainability considerations and effective project delivery planning.

Selected teams will have the opportunity to present their solutions to an industry judging panel during the competition final.

The Challenge Brief

Teams are required to develop a scalable affordable housing solution suitable for implementation within an African context.

Proposals should demonstrate:

· Design excellence

· Practical construction methodologies

· Commercial viability

· Sustainability considerations

· Project planning and delivery capability

· Appropriate use of digital tools and innovation

· Leadership and collaboration

The challenge has been designed to reflect the realities of delivering construction projects in today's built environment.

Who Can Participate?

The challenge is open to students currently enrolled at recognised higher education institutions.

Students may be studying:

· Construction Management

· Quantity Surveying

· Architecture

· Civil Engineering

· Building Science

· Project Management

· Urban Planning

· Property Studies

· Related built environment disciplines

Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

Team Requirements

Each team must:

· Consist of 4 to 6 students

· Nominate one Team Leader as the primary contact

· Be enrolled at a recognised higher education institution

· Have an Academic Sponsor, Lecturer or Programme Coordinator supporting the team

Registration must be completed by the Team Leader on behalf of the entire team.

Key Dates

Registration Opens

27 August 2026

Official Competition Launch

7 September 2026

Development Period

7 September to 30 October 2026

Submission Deadline

30 October 2026

Judging

November 2026

Live Final

18 November 2026

ConstructAfrica Summit Showcase

27 November 2026

What Registered Teams Will Receive

Upon registration, teams will receive:

· Competition Brief

· Submission Guidelines

· Judging Criteria

· Competition Timeline

· Competition Updates

· Access to Briefing Sessions

Submission Requirements

Teams will be required to submit:

· Design Proposal

· Technical Drawings

· Delivery Programme

· Cost Estimate

· Digital Delivery Components

· Supporting Documentation

Technical submission formats include:

· IFC format for digital/BIM models

· PDF format for reports and drawings

· Excel format for cost estimates

Why Participate?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

· Apply classroom learning to a real industry challenge

· Develop project leadership skills

· Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams

· Engage with industry professionals

· Showcase their work to industry leaders

· Enhance their professional profile and employability

Contact:

Ntando Khuzwayo

[email protected]