FEATURED PAPER
By Sinaye Mgolombane
South Africa
Abstract
The world today has witnessed a myriad of wars and natural disasters that have left chilling memories of death and destruction. Destruction of the infrastructure critical to these countries’ economies and elimination of expertise through death, that is vital in driving ID. Iran, Israel, Palestine, Russia, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan are a case in point. Faced with this reality, many decades will pass without realising the infrastructure and economic recovery of these nations.
In circumstances where wars led to loss of human lives requiring expertise to rebuild their infrastructure and economy, will AI close the vacuum created by the loss of human expertise, thus expedite infrastructure recovery? This article reflects on possibilities of leveraging AI to advance and expedite the development, implementation, maintenance and governance of infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure Development (ID) is the process of creating and improving the fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities that underpin a society’s economy, well-being, and environment. These infrastructure systems incorporate transportation (roads, railways, airports, ports), communication networks, energy systems (electricity grids, power plants), water supply and sanitation. It also includes the soft infrastructure such as healthcare and education facilities.
ID is a vital, ongoing process worldwide. It fulfils the strategic importance for economic prosperity, social well-being, and sustainable development and remains a top priority for governments and international organizations.
ID globally faces a complex array of challenges, varying in intensity across regions but sharing common underlying themes. These challenges can present an impact on economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability worldwide. These challenges include funding and financing gap; ageing and inadequate maintenance; climate change and resilience; governance, corruption, and institutional weaknesses; project planning and delivery inefficiencies; Social and Environmental Considerations, etc.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of ID, offering significant opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability throughout the entire project lifecycle. From initial planning and design to construction, operation, and maintenance, AI is proving to be a powerful tool for optimizing processes and addressing complex challenges.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure Development, Project Management, Maintenance, Operations
Here’s a breakdown of the key impacts of AI in ID:
1 Enhanced Project Planning and Design through:
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- Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyse vast datasets, including historical project data, geological surveys, environmental conditions, and material specifications, to uncover hidden patterns and predict potential issues.
- Generative Design: AI-powered generative design algorithms can rapidly explore a multitude of design alternatives, considering various parameters like energy efficiency, structural performance, and material usage.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: By analysing historical data and real-time inputs, AI can identify and predict potential project risks, such as delays, cost overruns, and supply chain disruptions, allowing for proactive mitigation strategies.
- Improved Scheduling: AI-powered scheduling tools can optimize project timelines, accounting for factors like weather conditions, labour availability, and material deliveries, and dynamically adjust schedules as conditions change.
2 Optimized Construction and Project Management through:
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- Real-Time Progress Tracking: Computer vision and drone technology, powered by AI, can monitor construction progress in real-time, identify deviations from plans, and provide detailed reports to stakeholders.
More…
To read entire paper, click here
How to cite this paper: Mgolombane, S. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Infrastructure Development, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue VIII, August. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pmwj155-Aug2025-Mgolombane-Impact-of-AI-in-Infrastructure-Development.pdf
About the Author
Sinaye Mgolombane
South Africa
Sinaye Mgolombane, MBA, PMP is an accomplished Business Executive, Digital Transformation Champion, Project Management Professional, and Environmentalist with over two decades of diverse experience across the Transport, Financial, Construction, Defence, and petrochemical sectors. He has managed and led strategic complex and mega infrastructure development programmes in these industries and sectors. Currently, Sinaye serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for PMSA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the project management profession in South Africa and Africa. He has recently been appointed by GAPPS (Global Alliance for the Project Professions) as the Director.
Sinaye is passionate about naturing talent within project management and business management fields by sharing his expertise using thought leadership platforms and lecturing. To distress from his demanding career, he spends his time with his family and on the golf course. He can be contacted at Chair@projectmanagement.org.za
