Kigali, 26 September 2017:  The Government of Rwanda in collaboration with the Federation of Africa Engineering Organizations (FAEO) and UNESCO is hosting the 2nd Africa Engineering Conference together with the 4th UNESCO Engineering Week taking place at Kigali Convention Centre, from the 25 - 29 September 2017.                          

The conference themed “Effective Waste Management in Africa”, brought together over 1,000 both local and international delegates including engineers, researchers, academicians, consultants, industrialists, economists, development partners, and other experts to discuss ways to overcome challenges of waste management in Africa as the continent rapidly urbanizes. Most of participants are from African countries including but not limited to Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Ghana Nigeria South Sudan, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Somalia and Ethiopia. A delegation from China, international specialized institutions and experts are also taking part in the conference.

During the conference, experts formulated resolutions on useful approaches for effective waste management on the continent. They also suggested ways to address among others the challenges of municipal waste, waste from agriculture, mining, electronics usage and other forms of industrial manufacturing.

While opening the conference, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister pointed out that addressing waste management in Africa’s fast-growing Cities require innovative engineering and technology-based solutions. He called participants to work hard and find solutions but as well to stay true to their profession.

“Strong measures are needed for adequate and sustainable development of this critical sector of human existence and well-being. Come up with answers to what African engineering fraternity should do so that challenges raised by waste management be addressed”, said Prime Minister.

“We also encourage you to create confidence and trust within systems and African governments. Take concrete measures in dealing with engineers who do not respect ethics and professionalism” added the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister noted that effective waste management is timely in light of Rwanda’s and the continent increasing urbanization, natural resources exploitation, agricultural production and utilization of electronic gadgets as the need to focus on sustainable development and the reality of climate change. He also reminded participants that the ultimate goal ahead should be to reach a time when waste can be rightly transformed into one of the resources to power the continent’s sustainable development.

Rwanda has adopted a green growth strategy and is working towards effective achievement of the sustainable development goals. For Example, the country is promoting integrated solid waste management and appropriate wastewater management technologies in the City of Kigali and the six Secondary Cities. Some projects in pipeline include the construction of centralized sewerage system which is expected to commence next year.

Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, James Musoni, mentioned that the conference is a good platform for dissemination and exchange of engineering knowledge, innovation and solutions in engineering industry.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen engineering profession across the continent through promotion of ethical standards across engineering industry”.

He added that addressing waste management in fast-growing African cities requires innovative engineering and technologies. “Waste become waste when you waste it”, Musoni added.