WFEO launches Engineering Capacity Building for Africa programme in Nairobi

The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), has officially launched the Engineering Capacity Building for Africa Programme (ECBAP). The landmark initiative was unveiled at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, marking a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s engineering education, professional development, and infrastructure capacity.

Under the theme “Belt and Road Initiatives in Engineering Capacity Building: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions to Achieve SDGs through Smart Partnerships with CAST and African Engineering Organizations,” the launch brought together key stakeholders, including global engineering leaders, policymakers, academia, and industry experts, to discuss solutions to Africa’s engineering challenges.

The program was inaugurated by Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary for Roads, representing Hon. Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport. Also present were WFEO President Eng. Mustafa Shehu, CAST Executive President Mr. Junke He, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme, and EBK Chair Eng. Erastus Mwongera.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CAST, IEK, and EBK, solidifying collaboration in engineering capacity development, skills enhancement, and research partnerships.

As a key partner in ECBAP, IEK committed to training over 100,000 engineers across Africa in cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and climate-resilient designs.

The event reinforced partnerships aimed at advancing engineering education, promoting professional mobility, and fostering technology transfer. It also emphasized the establishment of regional centers of excellence for engineering training across Africa.

Eng. Kiteme highlighted the transformative impact of ECBAP, stating. “This initiative is a game-changer in equipping African engineers with the skills needed for economic transformation. Through strategic global partnerships, we will build a knowledge-driven workforce to lead infrastructure development in Africa.”

Eng. Mwongera underscored the importance of global accreditation, saying.”Kenya’s engineering education must meet international standards. We are working towards securing Washington Accord recognition, which will open global opportunities for our engineers.”

Eng. Mbugua emphasized the government’s commitment to engineering excellence, stating:”Africa cannot afford to lag behind in industrialization and infrastructure growth. ECBAP will bridge the engineering skills gap and ensure that African engineers lead the continent’s transformation.”

The launch of ECBAP marks the beginning of a decade-long initiative focused on training, mentoring, and empowering African engineers to take charge of the continent’s infrastructure development. The program aligns with key continental and global frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IEK, EBK, and WFEO extended their gratitude to CAST, UNESCO, FAEO, and other strategic partners for their role in making the initiative a success.

The ECBAP initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing engineering skills, promoting technology transfer, and developing resilient infrastructure solutions for Africa’s future. With strong partnerships and government backing, the program sets the foundation for a new era of engineering excellence across the continent.