Federation of African Engineering Organisations
In March, South Africa, represented by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), was officially inaugurated into the presidency of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FEAO) for 2025-2026.
At a prestigious event, held at the Boipuso Hall in Gaborone, the Botswanan government was represented by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Assistant Ministers, Presidents and representatives of African engineering regulatory bodies as well as delegates representing the profession from across Africa.
Quality of life
The presidency marks a milestone for the country and engineering fraternity in Africa as it envisions a future where engineering is leveraged to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life of those living in Africa.
The Engineering Council of South Africa will have the ECSA 6th Term Council President Eng. Refilwe Buthelezi Pr. Eng take on the role of the 7th FAEO President.
Stepping stones
Handing over the reins to Eng. Buthelezi, the outgoing FAEO President Eng. Papias Dedeki, said, “Our journey as FAEO has not been without challenges such as policy misalignment, disparities in accreditation, infrastructure development and financing gaps. But through innovation, strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment, we turned these obstacles into stepping stones for progress.
“A key lesson I leave you with, is this: Africa`s engineering solutions must be homegrown, yet globally competitive. Initiatives such as Multidisciplinary Coalition of Professionals, Collaborative Engineering, Innovation Bandboxes as well as Engineering Accreditation Framework, I believe will shape Africa`s engineering future.”
Impactful change
Eng. Buthelezi noted, “I have always sought to create impactful change, particularly in the areas of water, infrastructure development and management, power and energy solutions, and capacity building for young engineering professionals and women in the field. Standing before you today, I do so with great humility and a clear sense of purpose: to champion engineering as the driving force behind Africa’s sustainable development.
”This moment is not a personal achievement; it is the culmination of years of dedication and the collective efforts of all who have come before me.”
Rotates
The FAEO presidency rotates among member countries every two years, with member countries serving for a total of six years as President-Elect for two years, President for two years and Immediate Past President for another two years.
FAEO is a key continental body dedicated to uniting Africa’s engineering organisations to address critical challenges in infrastructure, water and sanitation, energy, and ICT. The Federation represents over 500 000 engineering professionals across Africa. In addition, the engineering body plays a pivotal role in promoting technical excellence and professional mobility.
