The importance of infrastructure development, premised on innovative African solutions supported by African engineers, was unpacked in the opening remarks of the first virtual 27th annual FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference that commenced on 18 May.
The two-day online conference, themed “The role of a consulting engineer in a changing world – an African perspective’, brings together consulting engineers, financial institutions, and investment bodies, thought leaders, and government ministries from around Africa, to consider the changing landscape of infrastructure development and engage in problem-solving discussions. Delegates from multi-national consulting engineering firms and role-players who are active in Africa were also in attendance.
The conference was facilitated by Jeshika Ramchund, Lead Engineer, Bosch Projects and a FIDIC Africa EXCO Member, and Pauline Phiri from WCE Zambia Ltd and FIDIC Africa Future Leaders. The conference commenced with an introduction by Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA and Secretariat of FIDIC Africa, followed by the official welcome by Kabelo Motswagole, President of FIDIC Africa.
Motswagole emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in Africa, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The infrastructure challenge has been played out clearly on the African continent with deep socio-economic effects. And therefore, I call on investors, engineering professionals and governments to focus on innovative infrastructure solutions by Africans for Africans. The challenge for this continent, is not the lack of educated engineers, but the application of knowledge.”
He also stressed the need for local engineers across the continent to be included in major projects. “This is a challenge to all of us as consulting engineers and governments – let’s turn this into an opportunity to promote consulting engineers and to equip local practitioners with management skills to develop a cadre a of engineers that unlock the true value in the development of our continent.”
Motswagole also stated that he is concerned as to whether the consulting engineering fraternity is being used as a guide for the development of infrastructure. “If consulting engineers are left out, I can confidently say, this is enabling room for disaster. We want to address our credibility, as consulting engineers, in the eyes of decision makers and all relevant stakeholders. Africans must lead the development on the continent and offer authentic solution that makes contributions to society.”
This was also echoed by Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO of FIDC Africa, who also re-iterated the need for young engineers to take a lead in Africa.
There is huge potential for infrastructure investment in Africa, he said, including digital infrastructure. Africa has about 30% of the earths remaining mineral resources and there are fewer people with Internet connection in Africa then there are in New York City. He also focused on the importance of applying expertise in terms of a local, regional, and national level perspective to address infrastructure bottlenecks for the continent.
Dr Ogunshakin OBE also emphasized the need for African engineers to not be complacent – the global industry and construction is estimated to be worth R22 trillion, but the challenge remains insufficient investment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Munang, currently the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme, highlighted that the most important equation in engineering is not that it accurately represents the foundational realities that are faced at any given time, but the many solutions that lead to the most optimal outcomes that maximize socio economic benefits while minimizing risk and cost.
“African engineers need to increasingly prioritize resilient infrastructure principles. These include utilization of green infrastructure, such as rehabilitating wetlands and cities, so they can become natural for floodwaters and will improve city planning to better protect natural systems.”
He provided five key take-aways that are needed to drive the engineering profession:
- Disruptive application of knowledge technology
- Making the informal sector a core target of engineering solutions
- Positioning skills development to change challenges into opportunity
- Focusing on Passion by converting ideas into solutions
- Transformational value-based leadership to drive socio-economic liberation
The first day of the conference also included insightful panel discussions.
The first panel discussion focused on ‘Integrity and Ethical Project Implementation’, which was facilitated by James Mwangi, from Kurrent Technologies and a FIDIC board member and FIDIC Africa EXCO member. Panellists included Dr Goetz-Sebastian Hoek, Partner at Dr. Hök, Stieglmeier & Kollegen; and George Daniel, Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Bank Group, with the session wrap-up from Marie Diallo from BE Siraba Sarl and a FIDIC Africa EXCO member.
‘Challenges & Disruptions – The Consultant’s Experience,” was the next panel discussion facilitated by Rizwan Qadri of Riz Consulting Engineering Services, and a FIDIC Africa EXCO member. Panellists included Moncef Ziani, International Consultant; Ibikunle Ogunbayo and Kenneth Amollo.
The last discussion for the day, was themed ‘Project Procurement & Implementation’ and was facilitated by George Okoroma, MD for Gambeta Groupe Ltd and a FIDIC Africa EXCO member. Panelists were Latoya Ouna, Structural and Construction Contracts Expert at AR Group-Engineering LTD; Elvis Mwesigwa, Project Engineer at Gauff Consultants; and Mclean Sibanda, MD for Bigen Global Limited.
The first day concluded with a wrap-up by Bruno Vedor from Vedor Lda a FIDIC Africa EXCO member.
|
