Skyline of active construction, a modern data‑center and a derelict terrace illustrating growth and risk in the construction market.
Dublin, Ireland, September 8, 2025
A major market study forecasts significant expansion in the global construction market, driven by housing, commercial development and infrastructure, with sustainability and advanced technologies accelerating change. Africa’s data‑centre construction is identified as a faster‑growing niche due to cloud demand and AI workloads. The specialist insurance sector is consolidating after an acquisition of a Dublin and Galway underwriting business focused on construction risks. A partial collapse of a derelict Dublin terrace with large unpaid levies highlights safety, fiscal and planning challenges posed by long‑term vacancy. Together the trends point to growth, innovation and evolving risk management needs.
New market intelligence released on September 08, 2025 signals sustained global growth in construction activity, with the sector expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 5.51% between 2025 and 2033. The report, issued from Dublin and distributed by a market research provider, places the 2025 market value at USD 13.4 trillion and forecasts expansion to USD 20.6 trillion by 2033.
The analysis covers a wide range of activity across residential, commercial and industrial building work as well as large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges and airports. It highlights construction as a major engine of economic development, supporting employment and fueling innovation in materials, project management and construction technology.
Recent trends noted in the material indicate a meaningful shift toward sustainable building practices and increased adoption of advanced digital tools. Green building standards, energy-efficient design and the use of renewable materials are being integrated into more projects. Digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D printing and automated construction equipment are transforming planning and on-site execution, improving precision, cutting waste and strengthening stakeholder collaboration.
The market is characterized by a mix of multinational contractors, strong regional firms and specialist providers. Investment in research and development is rising as companies pursue new construction methods, smart building systems and eco-friendly solutions. Market segmentation in the report is organized by product type, application, end user, technology, distribution channel and geography to help investors and operators identify opportunities and constraints.
Separate regional analysis dated February 17, 2025 focuses on the Africa data center construction market. That study places the market at USD 1.26 billion in 2024 with a forecast to reach USD 3.06 billion by 2030, representing a strong compound annual growth rate of 15.94%. Key growth enablers cited include rising cloud investment, surging demand driven by artificial intelligence workloads and greater adoption of renewable energy sources for data center power and cooling.
The regional study also provides detailed coverage of infrastructure elements such as electrical and mechanical systems, cooling techniques and tier standards, and examines competitive landscape topics including prominent construction contractors, support infrastructure providers and investors.
In related industry news, a specialty insurance group has acquired a Dublin- and Galway-based managing general underwriter established in 2017 that focuses on commercial construction cover. The acquired business will operate within the buyer’s existing underwriting division and is expected to complement latent defect offerings and provide an entry point to the Irish market. The acquired firm has specialized in latent defect insurance and owner-controlled insurance programmes and has used proprietary modelling to manage aggregation of construction risk and to secure capital support. Executives leading the acquired business have indicated the deal will allow them to expand offerings and leverage the buyer’s platform and resources. The buyer has previously completed other regional integrations, with earlier transactions folded into the same underwriting division. The buyer reported a revenue increase of 20.5% year-on-year in a recent quarter.
Locally, a terrace of five late 19th century cottages on a canal-facing street partially collapsed after one roof gave way. The properties had been on a municipal derelict sites register since June 2023, and the owner group remains liable for outstanding derelict site levies in excess of €140,000. Levies are computed as an annual percentage on market value with additional monthly interest on unpaid balances. The property owner has acknowledged the levies are due and intends to discharge them prior to completion of a long-planned sale of the site and adjacent 1970s office blocks to an international developer, a deal contingent on planning permission and other preconditions. Planning permission for a redevelopment scheme including demolition and replacement with an eight-storey office building was granted in a recent planning cycle. Local elected representatives have argued for stronger penalties and alternative zoning to permit mixed-use residential to help address vacancy and housing needs.
The collapse sent debris onto a cycle lane and the road beside the canal; no fatalities were reported. Municipal authorities and the site owner are engaged in immediate safety mitigation while ownership, levies and sale conditions remain active legal and administrative matters.
Complete versions of the construction market report and the Africa data center study are available from the publisher’s site alongside other related market studies and attachments covering topics such as optical systems and consumer electronics set-top boxes.
The global construction market is valued at USD 13.4 trillion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 20.6 trillion by 2033, growing at an annual rate of about 5.51% over that period.
Key trends include increased focus on sustainability and green building, adoption of digital tools such as BIM and 3D printing, automation on site, and rising R&D spending for smart and low-carbon construction methods.
The Africa data center construction market was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 3.06 billion by 2030, reflecting an expected CAGR of approximately 15.94%. Growth is driven by cloud investment, AI demand and renewable energy adoption.
A specialty underwriting group has acquired a managing general underwriter focused on Irish commercial construction insurance; the acquired business will operate within the buyer’s underwriting managers division and expands latent defect and owner-controlled insurance capacity.
A terrace of five Victorian cottages partially collapsed; the owner group owes over €140,000 in derelict site levies. The site had been listed on the derelict register and is subject to a pending sale that depends on planning and settlement of outstanding charges.
| Topic | Data point | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Global construction market (2025) | USD 13.4 trillion | Large base supporting jobs and capital expenditure globally |
| Forecast (2033) | USD 20.6 trillion | Steady expansion with a CAGR of 5.51% |
| Africa data center market (2024) | USD 1.26 billion | High-growth regional niche driven by cloud and AI |
| Africa forecast (2030) | USD 3.06 billion | Estimated CAGR ~15.94% |
| Insurance market activity | Acquisition of a construction-focused underwriter | Consolidation strengthens latent defect and OCIP capacity |
| Derelict site incident | Terrace collapse; unpaid levies > €140,000 | Raises questions on site management, enforcement and planning |
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