Witness Kuotcha

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has changed the landscape of the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in recent decades. However, BIM is not well researched in most developing countries; in particular, few studies have addressed its adoption in Malawi. A non-probability, purposive sampling approach was adopted. A total of 143 questionnaires were completed. This research reveals that, while construction experts are aware of BIM, the level of uptake remains quite low. Architects in Malawi are the most knowledgeable, followed by land surveyors and then engineers. This research shows that most experts in Malawi are at level 1 of BIM usage, which is the first stage of BIM adoption and is characterized by the use of 3D models and output representation. Furthermore, the study results have shown that the Malawian AEC sector is currently succeeding at the modelling stage of maturity but is stalled by lack of collaborative frameworks, such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Therefore, unless the industry shifts toward a unified Common Data Environment (CDE), advanced capabilities like clash detection will remain underutilized and disconnected from broader project success metrics. Statistical analysis has shown that the correlation analysis demonstrates a strong link (r = 0.75) between Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and high BIM maturity, whereas traditional Design-Bid-Build methods show a critical misalignment with digital workflows. The study identifies high software costs and a lack of national standards as the primary barriers to adoption. Therefore, there is a need for robust sensitization to the benefits of BIM and training to improve its uptake in the context of Malawi’s construction industry. In order to advance Malawi’s BIM maturity, the research recommends a strategic shift toward integrated procurement models, the establishment of national BIM mandates, and the modernization of technical education to bridge the existing knowledge gap.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has changed the landscape of the architectural, engineering and construction industry in the recent past decades. However, BIM is not well-researched in most of developing countries such as Malawi; few or no studies address BIM adoption in the country. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the status of BIM in the Malawi construction industry through a well-structured survey. A non-probability and purposive sampling were adopted in this study. A total of 265 questionnaires were sent out. A total of 143 questionnaires were filled that is a 54% response rate. The research has revealed that construction experts are aware of BIM though the level of up take is quite low. Architects in Malawi are the most knowledgeable, seconded by land surveyors and then engineers. Similarly, it was revealed that majority of construction experts in Malawi have less than two years’ experience in the use of BIM. And have applied BIM in less than two projects using basic software such as AutoCAD, seconded by Civil 3D. Hence, this is clear evidence that BIM usage is in the initial stage and is just picking up in the country. And the research has shown that the majority of experts in Malawi are on level 1 of BIM usage which is the first stage of BIM adoption and is characterized by use of 3D models and output representation. Therefore, there is need for robust sensitization on the benefits of BIM and the training to improve its uptake in the construction industry in the country.

In developed countries, the government primarily supports the adoption of BIM. However, adoption is typically driven by the preferences of industry professionals among construction organizations in developing countries, who rely on their BIM awareness and competence. Thus, BIM competence and awareness have become an important indicator of organizational BIM readiness. To assess the level of BIM readiness, this study aims to determine the BIM competence and awareness levels among Malawian construction organizations. The study surveyed 189 construction professionals and analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and reliability tests. The findings revealed that there is a moderate level of BIM awareness among the organizations. The organizations have BIM-capable software. However, the professionals within these organizations possess a limited proficiency in BIM technical abilities, particularly in performing BIM-related services and executing BIM-related tasks. Therefore, construction organizations in Malawi should prepare for the widespread adoption of BIM by addressing the insufficient technical skills and limited awareness of BIM among their workforce. Furthermore, the study indicates that engaging in collaborative efforts could serve as a valuable foundation for the adoption of BIM within construction organizations.