Unlocking Project Efficiency Through Artificial Intelligence: A Case for Transforming Construction Management in South Africa

South Africa’s construction sector faces chronic inefficiencies, including delays, budget overruns, and low productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool globally, demonstrating measurable improvements in project scheduling, risk management, and cost prediction. However, local adoption remains limited. This study investigates the perceptions, barriers, and readiness factors influencing AI integration in South African construction project management. A survey of twenty-two professionals across engineering, contracting, and project management was conducted. Results reveal strong recognition of AI’s potential to enhance scheduling and budgeting (77.3% agreement) but limited organisational readiness: only 45.5% reported a digital strategy, 38.1% adequate IT infrastructure, and 18.2% active collaboration with external innovators. Key barriers include digital skills shortages (72.7%) and high implementation costs (54.5%). The findings align with international literature on AI adoption challenges while exposing South Africa’s unique contextual constraints. Recommendations highlight skills development, pilot projects, and supportive policy frameworks to accelerate responsible AI adoption. The study contributes to the Africa Engineering Week theme by demonstrating how AI, when contextualised, can strengthen infrastructure delivery and socio-economic transformation. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Construction Project Management; South Africa; Digital Transformation; 4IR; Infrastructure Efficiency.