Africa is making strides in the construction industry with a pioneering development in artificial intelligence (AI). Santhotad Concept Plus Nigeria Limited, a Nigeria-based architectural and construction firm, announced in June 2024 the development of KIAKIA, an AI-powered humanoid designed to streamline and accelerate building processes.

KIAKIA—derived from the Nigerian word for "quickly"—aims to significantly reduce construction timelines, particularly for large-scale commercial projects that traditionally take months or years to complete. The robot is expected to enhance efficiency, minimize human error, and optimize resource utilization, marking a major advancement in the industry.

“KIAKIA will not replace construction engineers but rather empower them,” the founder and brain behind the innovation, architect Temitope Adeusi said in an interview with some Ghana-based architectural firms and Mr. Aliyu Olateju, Chief Technology Officer of Tech Parlons, “Our goal is to make their work easier and more efficient. The AI-powered humanoid will take on repetitive and labour-intensive tasks, allowing engineers and architects to focus on creativity and problem-solving. It’s about collaboration, not replacement.”

The humanoid will be equipped with advanced AI algorithms to perform key functions such as site mapping, structural analysis, and precision assembly. By automating these processes, KIAKIA could potentially reduce construction time by more than 150%, allowing projects that typically take a year to be completed in a matter of months.

Industry analysts see KIAKIA’s introduction as a transformative step in construction technology, placing Santhotad Concept Plus on the global stage. By integrating AI into the sector, the firm is positioning itself alongside some of the world’s most advanced architectural companies and opening doors for international partnerships and investments.

“We are not just building faster; we’re building smarter, greener, and more competitive structures that redefine modern architecture,” Adeusi said. “KIAKIA is still in the development stage, but once fully operational, it will revolutionize the industry.”

The project has drawn interest from policymakers, tech enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders who view it as a breakthrough that could reshape Nigeria’s construction and innovation landscape. As the country continues to embrace technological advancements, the success of KIAKIA could pave the way for broader AI adoption across various sectors.