By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will on 3 February 2026, deliver a keynote address at the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit. The summit is a two-day event at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the gathering brings together government, the building and construction industry, academia, investors, and civil society to advance innovative solutions for the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Magwenya said held under the theme: “Mainstreaming Innovative Building Technologies for Sustainable Human Settlements”, the IBT Summit aims to accelerate the adoption of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) to enhance the delivery of housing across South Africa.
“IBT’s offer viable and cost-effective alternatives that enhance efficiency through lightweight structures, energy-efficient designs, prefabrication, and environmentally sustainable construction methods.
“The Summit comes at a critical time as South Africa continues to confront a significant housing backlog, rapid urbanisation, and the increasing impacts of climate change,” he said.
Magwenya further said the objectives of the IBT Summit include strengthening policy integration for IBTs within human settlements, fostering collaboration and investment between government, the private sector, non-profit organisations and international stakeholders and showcasing disruptive innovation in construction. He added that the Summit will promote IBT’s as solutions for disaster-resistant and climate-resilient housing, supporting community rebuilding efforts and ensuring better preparedness for future crises.
“In addition, it aims to raise awareness among beneficiaries, policymakers, and industry stakeholders about the affordability, speed, and sustainability of Innovative Building Technologies.
“The President’s participation in the IBT Summit affirms government’s commitment to addressing inequality and reversing pre-1994 spatial planning patterns, as articulated in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA),” said Magwenya.
Meanwhile, the Summit will take place at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg on Tuesday at 10am.
The Guardian 