At the recently concluded 11th Africa Engineering Week and 9th African Engineering Conference held in Kampala, Uganda, Engr. Joan Nweke, a distinguished leader in African engineering, delivered a compelling call to action for infrastructure development across the continent. Speaking at the Continental Dialogue on Sustainable Infrastructure and Urban Development, she urged stakeholders to prioritize solution-driven designs that empower communities, protect the environment, and foster sustainable economic growth. Her remarks underscored the critical need for infrastructure that is resilient, inclusive, and aligned with Africa’s unique socio-economic and environmental realities.
Engr. Nweke, a prominent advocate for women in engineering, emphasized that the conference’s central focus was on shaping the future of Africa’s infrastructure and urban development. Leading a high-level panel discussion themed “Promoting Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, Transportation, and Urban Development in Africa,” she highlighted the necessity of crafting infrastructure solutions that are deeply rooted in local contexts. These solutions, she argued, must empower communities by providing equitable access to services, safeguard natural ecosystems, and drive inclusive economic progress that benefits all segments of society.
“Africa’s development demands infrastructure and urban systems that can withstand climate shocks, serve its people equitably, and support long-term prosperity,” Engr. Nweke asserted. “This requires innovation, collaboration, and visionary leadership.” Her words resonated with the audience, comprising engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, and academics from across the continent, who gathered to address Africa’s pressing infrastructure and development challenges.
The conference, jointly organized by the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), served as a platform for robust discussions on how to advance Africa’s infrastructure agenda. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure systems capable of meeting the continent’s growing needs.
Engr. Nweke stressed the urgency of developing modern, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure systems that prioritize resilience and inclusivity. She noted that Africa faces unique challenges, including rapid urbanization, population growth, and the increasing impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. These challenges necessitate infrastructure that is not only functional but also adaptable to changing environmental and social conditions. “We cannot afford to build infrastructure that fails under the weight of climate shocks or excludes large segments of our population,” she cautioned. “Our designs must be forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The discussions at the conference culminated in a series of strategic recommendations aimed at transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape. Delegates called for increased investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-resistant roads, bridges, and buildings designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. They also emphasized the importance of integrated urban planning to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, including the need for affordable housing, efficient public transportation, and access to basic services like water and electricity.
Another key recommendation was the accelerated deployment of renewable energy sources to power Africa’s growing cities and rural areas. With the continent’s abundant solar, wind, and hydropower potential, delegates highlighted the opportunity to transition away from fossil fuels and build energy systems that are both sustainable and accessible. Smart transportation systems, including electric vehicles and intelligent traffic management, were also identified as critical components of Africa’s infrastructure future. These systems, the delegates noted, could reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve connectivity across urban and rural areas.
In addition to technological and design innovations, the conference underscored the need for policies that promote sustainable financing and encourage innovation. Delegates advocated for public-private partnerships, green bonds, and other innovative financing mechanisms to mobilize the resources needed for large-scale infrastructure projects. They also called for regulatory frameworks that incentivize the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies in engineering and construction.
The conference reaffirmed the pivotal role of engineers in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework that envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally responsible Africa. Agenda 2063 emphasizes the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure as a cornerstone of the continent’s transformation. Engr. Nweke and other speakers highlighted that engineers must lead the charge in designing and implementing infrastructure projects that align with this vision. “Engineers are not just builders; we are problem-solvers and visionaries,” she said. “Our work shapes the future of our continent, and we must rise to the challenge with creativity and commitment.”
Engr. Nweke’s professional journey serves as an inspiration to many in the engineering community. With a career spanning engineering leadership, women’s empowerment advocacy, infrastructure policy, and capacity building, she has made significant contributions to the field. Through her work in policy advisory, she has influenced the development of frameworks that promote sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. Her leadership training programs have empowered countless engineers, particularly women, to take on leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Additionally, her mentorship initiatives have inspired a new generation of innovators to pursue careers in engineering and contribute to Africa’s development.
Her advocacy for women in engineering was a recurring theme throughout the conference. Engr. Nweke emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women to thrive in the engineering profession, noting that diversity in perspectives leads to more innovative and effective solutions. “When we empower women engineers, we empower our continent,” she said. “Their contributions are vital to building infrastructure that serves everyone.”
The conference also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among African engineers. Participants shared best practices, explored new technologies, and forged partnerships to address common challenges. The event highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in tackling issues such as cross-border transportation, energy sharing, and climate adaptation. By working together, delegates agreed, African nations could leverage their collective expertise and resources to build a more connected and resilient continent.
Engr. Nweke’s remarks and the broader discussions at the conference underscored the transformative potential of sustainable infrastructure. Well-designed infrastructure, she argued, can bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, reduce inequality, and drive economic growth. For example, reliable transportation networks can connect farmers to markets, enabling them to sell their produce and improve their livelihoods. Similarly, access to clean energy can power schools and hospitals, improving education and healthcare outcomes. “Infrastructure is not just about roads and buildings,” she said. “It’s about creating opportunities and improving lives.”
The conference also addressed the role of technology in advancing sustainable infrastructure. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and green construction materials were highlighted as game-changers for the industry. These technologies, delegates noted, can enhance the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of infrastructure projects. For instance, IoT-enabled sensors can monitor the structural health of bridges and buildings in real-time, while green materials can reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Engr. Nweke called for greater investment in research and development to harness these technologies and tailor them to Africa’s needs. She also emphasized the importance of building local capacity to ensure that African engineers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead these initiatives. “We must invest in our people as much as we invest in our infrastructure,” she said. “Capacity building is the foundation of sustainable development.”
As the conference drew to a close, participants expressed optimism about the future of African infrastructure. The recommendations and insights generated during the event are expected to inform policy decisions and guide infrastructure investments across the continent. Engr. Nweke’s vision of solution-driven, community-focused, and environmentally conscious infrastructure resonated strongly with attendees, who left the conference inspired to translate these ideas into action.
In her closing remarks, Engr. Nweke reiterated the importance of collaboration in achieving Africa’s infrastructure goals. “No single country, organization, or individual can do this alone,” she said. “We must work together—engineers, policymakers, communities, and the private sector—to build an Africa that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous.” Her words served as a rallying cry for continued innovation and commitment to sustainable development.
The 11th Africa Engineering Week and 9th African Engineering Conference marked a significant milestone in the continent’s journey toward sustainable infrastructure and urban development. Through leaders like Engr. Joan Nweke, Africa is poised to build a future where infrastructure not only meets the needs of its people but also safeguards the environment and drives inclusive growth for generations to come.
