The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) in collaboration with the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Institution of Engineers Kenya (IEK) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) launched the Engineering Capacity Building for Africa Programme (ECBAP) at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on 17th March 2025.
The event was preceded by a 5-day training in the previous week, of 300 participants on Artificial Intelligence for engineers in Energy, Water, Agriculture and Infrastructure. The launching was attended by the Executive President of CAST, His Excellency Junke HE, the Principal Secretary Ministry of Roads and Transport of Kenya Eng. Joseph Mbugua (representing the Minister), the IEK President Shammah Kiteme, EBK Chairman Erastus Mwongera, the Chairman Taskforce Committee on ECBAP Prof. Gong Ke, the Chairman of WFEO Committee on Engineering Capacity Building Martin Manuhwa as well as many other senior personalities from the engineering and business communities.
The recording of the event is available on the below video
Speeches were delivered by the dignitaries, each one declaring support for the programme and stating how his organization will support the achievement of the aims of the programme.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (available in this page) between WFEO and CAST defining the role of each party in the implementation of the Programme where I signed for WFEO and Junke HE signed for CAST.
Junke HE the Executive President of CAST and and Mustafa Shehu, President of WFEO after the signing of the MoU
The ECBAP is a 10-year initiative launched under the framework of the UN Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development. This programme has been made possible with the initial financial support of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).
WFEO President Mustafa Shehu delivering his Welcome address
Prof Gong Ke, Past President of WFEO and Mustafa Shehu, President of WFEO
In the era of AI and digital transformation, ECBAP aims to strengthen engineering capacity and bridge the skills gap in Africa. Through initiatives in engineering education, continuous professional development, and technology transfer, the programme will contribute significantly to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the past year, the ECBAP team has engaged with key partners, including UNESCO, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), CAST, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) and other national and international stakeholders.
From left to right: Harrison Keter, 1st Vice President of IEK; Junke HE, Executive President of CAST; Shammah Kiteme, President of IEK; Joseph Mbugua, the Principal Secretary for the Kenya State Department of Roads; Mustafa Shehu, President of WFEO; Eng. Erastus Mwongera, Chairperson of EBK and Martin Manuhwa, Chair of CECB
Group picture after the launching event
Report by WFEO President Mustafa Shehu.
For more information:
“WFEO Engineering Capacity Building for Africa Program” presentation
Memorandum of Intent between WFEO and CAST
WFEO President Address at the launching of ECBAP in Nairobi, Kenya
IEK Weekly Newsletter – Week 3 – March 2025
MAR
2025