Navigating Barriers to the Adoption and Scalability of Modular Construction in Ethiopia

Abstract

As a developing economy, there is an increasing demand for infrastructure in Ethiopia that necessitates faster and more scalable construction solutions. Modular construction (MC) offers a viable alternative to conventional methods, but its adoption is hindered by systemic barriers. This study identifies and analyze key barriers influencing the scalability of MC in Ethiopia. Data has been collected through expert surveys involving 34 participants, including policymakers, manufacturers, academia, and construction professionals. The study applies a fuzzy DEMATEL method to quantify interdependencies among six critical barriers. The findings reveal that policy and government support (BR1) acts as a primary driver, influencing downstream barriers such as supply chain resilience (BR2) and process efficiency (BR5). Conversely, financial constraints and fragmented supply chains emerged as high-impact barriers requiring policy intervention. Based on the findings, the study further proposes a strategic framework advocating for public-private partnerships, workforce upskilling, and digital integration to enhance modular construction scalability. By leveraging Fuzzy-DEMATEL analysis, the study bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and investors. A limitation of this study is its reliance on a limited pool of expert opinions; however, such studies typically draw insights from five to 20 experts. Further more, this limitation was mitigated through the application of fuzzy logic.