BIM software for Africa — design, cost, export
SangoImmo is a BIM tool built for African construction: model the house in 3D, let the app derive quantities and cost, and export an IFC model, dimensioned plans and a quote — all offline, on phone or computer. Open SangoImmo →
What BIM actually means
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is more than a drawing: every wall, opening, slab or roof carries information (dimensions, material, cost). The model and the estimate are one — change a wall and the quantities and quote recompute. That is what separates BIM software from a plain drawing tool.
A BIM built for African reality
Most BIM software is heavy, expensive, annually licensed and made for always-connected engineering offices. SangoImmo does the opposite: offline-first (works with no network, syncs when you are back online), lightweight (runs on an entry-level Android phone), and tuned to local prices and the CFA-franc zone. Cement block, sheet roofing, ring beams, septic tanks, water towers: the catalogue and rules speak the language of the site here.
Interoperability: IFC4, dimensioned plans, psets
Real BIM must talk to other tools. SangoImmo imports and exports IFC4 (the open BIM format) with property sets, produces dimensioned plans and supports basic clash detection. Your model is never locked inside the app.
Frequently asked questions
- Is BIM only for large engineering firms?
- No. SangoImmo brings BIM within reach of a tradesperson, a developer or a homeowner: you draw your house in 3D and get quantities, cost and plans without heavy training. The learning curve is that of a mobile app, not a CAD package.
- Does SangoImmo export to IFC?
- Yes. The app does an IFC4 round-trip with property sets, produces dimensioned plans and handles basic clash detection, so it stays interoperable with other BIM tools.
- Does it work without an Internet connection?
- Yes. SangoImmo is offline-first: design, costing and quotes work with no network, and syncing happens when you are back online.
Sources and references
- Figures: SangoImmo costing engine, 2026 materials catalogue — see the full methodology. Open data, CC BY 4.0.
- National statistics and price indices for Cameroon: Institut National de la Statistique du Cameroun (INS).
- Housing policy and building permits: Ministère de l'Habitat et du Développement Urbain (MINHDU).
- Compliance rules checked by the app: SANS 10400 (building regulations), French NF DTU codes of practice, CEMAC-region practice.
Try BIM with no licence and no install
Designing and costing are free. Open SangoImmo in your browser or install the app — no credit card, no engineering office required.
Launch SangoImmo — free