KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT SHIPOKOSA PAULUS MASHATILE AT UNESCO 9th AFRICA ENGINEERING WEEK AND AFRICA ENGINEERING CONFERENCE, CSIR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, PRETORIA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2023

Pretoria, South Africa – September 25, 2023

In a gathering of esteemed engineers, dignitaries, and industry leaders, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile delivered a keynote address at the 9th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the Africa Engineering Conference. The event, held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria on September 25, 2023, was a celebration of engineering excellence in the African region.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished figures, including Minister for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Mr. Sihle Zikalala, Her Excellency Engineer Noimot Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State in Nigeria, and representatives from various international organizations and engineering associations.

Deputy President Mashatile expressed his gratitude to the Federation of African Engineering Organisations Executive Board for entrusting the Engineering Council of South Africa with the organization of this significant event. He also welcomed experts from various sectors who came to share their knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas during the week-long program.

The conference’s theme, “Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region,” resonated with Agenda 2063, which aims to leverage the continent’s potential for global change. Mashatile emphasized the importance of engineering in driving technological advancements, infrastructure development, and economic progress in Africa.

Africa’s vast landmass and rich natural resources make it a global player. With a youthful population, the continent must invest in education, science, and technology to achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and elevate Africa to new heights.

Mashatile acknowledged the role of African engineers in shaping the continent’s future, from historic architectural wonders to modern infrastructure projects. He highlighted the significant infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past 50 years and its impact on economic growth and poverty reduction.

Investing in infrastructure is crucial for economic recovery, and African nations are recognizing its positive socio-economic impact. Developing world-class infrastructure enhances the quality of life, stimulates growth, creates employment, and connects communities.

The Deputy President discussed the importance of infrastructure investment and mentioned initiatives like the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which supports infrastructure development. He encouraged engineers to think about ways to fast-track developments, particularly in rail networks and infrastructure integration across the continent.

Mashatile acknowledged the challenges in engineering education, including funding, diversity, and the underrepresentation of marginalized groups. He stressed the need to bridge these gaps, promote research, and create an inclusive environment for engineers.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing among academia, industry, and governments were highlighted as essential for promoting engineering excellence. Mashatile also emphasized the need to inspire the next generation of engineers and invest in quality education.

The Deputy President discussed the energy challenges facing South Africa and the government’s commitment to a Just Energy Transition. He welcomed financial support for this transition and emphasized the importance of transitioning on South Africa’s terms.

He concluded by reiterating the South African government’s commitment to infrastructure investment and partnerships with the African Union and other organizations. He highlighted resolutions made at the Federation of African Engineering Organisations Annual Conference to support the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.

In closing, Deputy President Mashatile called for a renewed commitment to engineering excellence in Africa. He urged engineers to collaborate, innovate, and address the continent’s unique challenges, paving the way for a brighter future through engineering excellence.

The 9th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and Africa Engineering Conference concluded with optimism and determination to harness engineering’s power for Africa’s growth and prosperity.