SIA 2026: Robert Beugré Mambé Calls for a Paradigm Shift by Increasing Digital Integration in Building Information

Abidjan, September 17, 2026 – Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé has called for a paradigm shift through greater integration of digital technology in Building Information Modeling (BIM). He made the statement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Abidjan Exhibition Center in Port-Bouët during the official opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Abidjan Infrastructure Fair (SIA).

Focused on the theme "Digitalization, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Resource Management in Construction," this edition brought together several members of the Ivorian government, technical and financial partners, and featured Guinea as the guest country of honor. For additional coverage on national developments, visit In Côte d'Ivoire.

"The theme of this edition invites us to look toward the future by shifting our paradigm," the Head of Government stated in his opening remarks. According to him, this shift involves designing better, building faster, controlling costs more effectively, sustainably maintaining assets, and fully integrating environmental and climate requirements.

"This requires further integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into building information modeling, smart infrastructure tracking systems, material recycling, and techniques aimed at improving the durability of our structures," he recommended.

Continuing his address, the Prime Minister noted that for several years, under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, Côte d'Ivoire has chosen to invest heavily in infrastructure. He emphasized that the government's ambition is to sustain this momentum by equipping the country with modern infrastructure capable of long-term support for economic growth and the improvement of living conditions.

"The SIA must contribute to this ambition," he stated firmly. However, "we must not let Artificial Intelligence outpace us," he advised, before inviting the Guinean government to collaborate closely with Côte d'Ivoire so that "together we can build infrastructure that connects our economies and brings our people closer."

Hien Sié Yacouba, Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance and co-sponsor of the SIA, revealed that the construction sector generates approximately 6% of Côte d'Ivoire's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Consequently, "all infrastructure development occupies a central place in the economic transformation underway in Côte d'Ivoire."

"The true road to development is first the one that reaches people, allowing farmers to sell their produce, children to go to school, and the sick to receive care," declared Facinet Sylla, Guinean Minister of Infrastructure, echoing a famous quote by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

He explained that the Guinean delegation came to Abidjan to share its national vision and open new avenues of cooperation with Côte d'Ivoire. "The infrastructure we build today must address current needs while standing resilient against future demands and the impacts of climate change," he noted, adding, "Together, let us build useful, solidarity-driven, sustainable, and value-creating infrastructure at the service of Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea."

Ismaël Kéita, Vice President of the Guinean Employers' Association, added: "The business environment in the Republic of Guinea is driven by the Simandou 2040 program, which serves as the government's strategy for ensuring sustainable and responsible socio-economic transformation," calling on Ivorian partners to explore "new partnership perspectives" to share expertise.

Ismaël N’Guessan, General Commissioner of the Abidjan Infrastructure Fair, explained that since its creation in 2014, the SIA has established itself as a benchmark platform for infrastructure development in West Africa.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Ivorian Building and Public Works Group's (GIBTP) official photobook to the Prime Minister, followed by the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony and a guided tour of the exhibition stands. The SIA takes place from September 17 to 19, 2026. Read more Côte d'Ivoire news on our platform.