Building Infrastructure Better

This book brings together cutting-edge research presented at the 11th International Conference on Development and Investment in Infrastructure (DII 2025), held from 6th–8th August 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Centred on the theme Building Infrastructure Better: Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Decentralisation, the volume captures emerging insights that are redefining infrastructure delivery and sustainable development across Africa and the Global South.

This volume features a diverse and rigorous collection of papers that delve into smart cities, digital transformation, infrastructure investment, sustainable construction, renewable energy, climate resilience, and circular economy transitions. The contributions address the sector’s most urgent challenges including inequality in urban systems, barriers to technology adoption, climate-induced vulnerabilities, sustainable building practices, and the strategic integration of advanced digital tools such as BIM, AI, IoT, VR, and automation. Insights presented across the six thematic tracks illuminate pathways for improving infrastructure planning, enhancing project performance, strengthening resilience, and accelerating low-carbon development. Together, the papers demonstrate how technological innovation, policy reform, and contextualised research can drive inclusive, future-ready infrastructure systems capable of supporting national and regional development ambitions.

This book is intended for academics, researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, and postgraduate students engaged in infrastructure development, construction management, urban planning, digital transformation, and sustainability. It also serves as a valuable resource for governments, development agencies, and technology stakeholders seeking evidence-based strategies to strengthen infrastructure resilience and accelerate socio-economic development.