African engineers

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week is celebrated across the African continent in September each year to raise the profile of the engineering profession, highlight its vital role in sustainable development, and inspire students to pursue engineering by integrating practical applications into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Engineering plays a pivotal role for Africa's development, as highlighted in the . The very innovative nature of engineering offers promising solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure, thereby fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and improved public health.

African engineer

The key objectives of the Week are to:

Promote engineering

as a vital field for sustainable development in Africa

Enhance the visibility and appreciation

of engineering achievements across the continent

Foster collaboration among African countries

to address shared engineering and infrastructure challenges

Inspire youth and the public

by showing engineering’s role in solving critical problems

African scientist

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week features a variety of educational workshops, public awareness events, and mentoring activities aimed at inspiring future engineers and showcasing the practical applications of engineering in addressing real-world issues. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Week promotes a collaborative approach to engineering education and practice, supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and enhancing the quality of life across the continent. 

Since its inception in 2014, various African countries have hosted the official celebrations of UNESCO Africa Engineering Week, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Workshop

About UNESCO Africa Engineering Week

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week was inaugurated in September 2014 at the University of Johannesburg, attracting over 200 school children to its opening ceremony. Themed "Engineering is a Life Changer!", the event was a collaborative effort involving UNESCO, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week is particularly committed to:
Increasing the participation of young people and women in engineering

promoting diversity and inclusion, and drawing new talent to the profession

Promoting collaboration among African countries

to tackle common engineering and infrastructure challenges

Engineering Report (2021)
UNESCO
International Centre for Engineering Education
2021

Engineering is the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Africa. Ingenuity in areas like renewable energy, smart water management, and resilient infrastructure can transform communities, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life. Embracing these advancements is essential for unlocking Africa’s potential and fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

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Resources

UNESCO Africa Engineering Week Website
UNESCO International Weeks
UNESCO International Days