FIDIC Africa hosts key online conference to discuss a world of change

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The 27th annual FIDIC Africa Infrastructure conference will discuss the role of the consulting engineer in a changing world.

Infrastructure professionals from across Africa will gather on 18-19 May 2021 to discuss the critical challenges facing the infrastructure sector including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and corruption.

The annual event, which this year takes place online,  will consider the challenges and opportunities facing FIDIC’s  African members. FIDIC Africa, previously known as GAMA (Group of African Member Associations), represents the industry’s interests in the African region and supports FIDIC activities at a national and regional level.

The online event will allow infrastructure industry stakeholders from across the African continent to engage with a top line up of speakers. Focusing on a core  theme of “The Role of the Consulting Engineer in a Changing World – The African Perspective”, conference programme highlights and keynote speakers include:

  • Kabelo Motswagole, President, FIDIC Africa
  • Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO, FIDIC
  • Tewolde Gebre Mariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines
  • Matt Reiffer, Director of Transportation Programs, American Council of Engineering Companies
  • Clare Akamanzi, CEO, Rwanda Development Board
  • Amadou Oumarou, Director, Infrastructure & Urban Development, African Development Bank
  • Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Chief Infrastructure & PPP Specialist, African Development Bank
  • Logashri Sewnarain, CEO, SMEC South Africa

Presentations at the conference will address a series of issues, from the national strategic plan, project definition, finance and investment, climate change and sustainability, to disruptive technology and skills development.

Discussions will also cover the role of the African consulting engineer in steering the infrastructure sector through a changing world. In addition to presentations, interactive panel discussions throughout the conference on a range of topics, including integrity and ethical project implementation, challenges and disruptions will also take place.

Commenting on the event, FIDIC CEO Dr Nelson Ogunshakin, said: “This year, we look forward to sharing knowledge and engaging in problem-solving as we look at how countries in Africa have been uniquely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe that consulting engineers can play a proactive role, as “trusted adviser”, in shaping national government responses to health, social and economic concerns, driven by quality, sustainability and integrity in the delivery of critical infrastructure.”.

“We encourage all infrastructure stakeholders – governments, investors, multilateral development banks, developers, asset owners, operators, consulting engineers, contractors and suppliers from across the continent to register for this event, which is specifically aimed at the unique African context. The virtual platform will offer opportunities for discussion, networking and problem solving catered specifically for consulting engineers and the infrastructure industry in Africa.”.

Click here to book your place at the 27th annual FIDIC Africa conference.