At the 2023 Engineers Conference, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa delivered a compelling call to action for local engineers across Africa, emphasizing the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and regulation in advancing the continent’s engineering landscape.

Fostering Regional Collaboration and Growth

A central theme of this year’s conference was harnessing engineering opportunities to bolster the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By promoting intra-regional trade and shared projects, African engineers can forge stronger ties, exchange best practices, and drive regional development. The conference highlighted the importance of creating linkages between national engineering bodies to facilitate resource sharing and collaborative growth, ultimately shaping a more integrated and resilient engineering community across Africa.

Legislative Support for a Thriving Sector

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa underscored the need for robust legislative frameworks to regulate the engineering profession. Effective regulation is vital to curb unqualified practitioners, ensure high standards, and foster sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. By establishing clear laws, the sector can enhance the reputation of local engineers, open up more opportunities, and support economic growth—despite the challenges posed by foreign competition in the construction industry.

Prioritizing Quality and Sustainability

The conference also emphasized that proper regulation can significantly reduce the emergence of quacks and substandard work, safeguarding both public safety and the industry’s integrity. Infrastructure development, a backbone for trade and economic advancement, must be designed to be sustainable and environmentally conscious, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of ecological health.

Looking Ahead

As the continent moves forward, empowering local engineers through collaboration and sound regulation remains at the forefront. These efforts promise a future where African engineers can thrive, contributing to infrastructural development, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity across the region.