CAPE TOWN – The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation in shaping the future of infrastructure took centre stage at the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference 2025 on Tuesday, 23 September, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Experts warned that while technology promises faster and smarter delivery, it also raises urgent questions about ethics, access and ownership.
The Fédération Internationale Des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC), an international federation of consulting engineers, organised the annual gathering. Representing more than a million professionals and 40 000 firms in over 100 countries, FIDIC is known for its global standard contracts on major projects. It also drives thought leadership on infrastructure, sustainability and professional practice.
Balancing promise and risk
This year’s panel, themed “AI, digitalisation and sustainability in infrastructure,” brought together Mark Coates of Bentley Systems, Nicolas Miravalls of ORIS, Stacy Sinclair of Fenwick Elliott, Rob Morson of Pinsent Masons, and Martina Hess of CES Consulting Engineers Salzgitter.
Data as the new currency
Rob Morson cautioned that ownership of digital project data is becoming a contentious issue.
“Digitising data is a currency,” he said. “Over a project’s life cycle the data you generate becomes very valuable. Understanding ownership and governance of that data upfront is absolutely vital.”
The missing local knowledge
Nicolas Miravalls reminded the audience that AI cannot replace human context.
“Much of Africa’s local knowledge is not digitised nor available online in multiple languages,” he explained. “AI results are limited to the data it is fed. We must balance global systems with ground realities.”
Ethics, bias and affordability
Martina Hess stressed the need for fairness in AI adoption.
“As AI accelerates, questions of bias, transparency and accountability must be addressed,” she said. “Emerging economies need affordable access and training, otherwise the gap will only widen.”
Checks without barriers
Stacy Sinclair argued for oversight that encourages innovation rather than stifling it.
“Engineers and lawyers alike must ensure that safeguards and checks don’t become barriers,” she said. “Our responsibility is to integrate ethics into practice while still enabling progress.”
Access for emerging economies
Delegates from Zambia and other emerging economies pressed the panel on how engineers in less-resourced regions could access AI tools. Panellists pointed to training, collaboration and partnerships through FIDIC’s member associations.
The FIDIC Digital Transformation Committee also announced plans to launch a podcast series on AI and digitalisation to promote knowledge sharing worldwide.
The road ahead
As discussions closed, the panel agreed that AI’s promise will only be realised if equity, inclusivity and governance remain central to infrastructure delivery.
“Technology is here to stay,” said Coates. “But the choices we make today will decide whether it empowers everyone or deepens divides.”
