Africa Engineering Week Conference set for Sept in Dar es Salaam

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is set to stage a continental engineering gathering, bringing together over 500 experts for Africa Engineering Week next month.

The country will host the 12th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 10th Africa Engineering Conference from September 13 to 17, 2026, in Dar es Salaam marking the first time the event is held in Tanzania.

The high-level forum is expected to position the country as a key hub for engineering transformation in Africa, with discussions focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, gender inclusion, local content and skills development.

Speaking after inspecting conference venues on Wednesday, Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET) President, Engineer Asa Mwaipopo, described the event as a major milestone for the country’s engineering profession.

“This is an event not to miss because of what it contains,” he said, noting that Tanzania will use the platform to showcase its technical capabilities while strengthening collaboration with professionals across Africa and beyond.

Vice-President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and Steering Committee Chair, Engineer Martin Manuhwa, said the gathering builds on more than a decade of progress since its launch in 2014.

He said past editions held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Uganda have inspired thousands of young people to pursue science and engineering careers, while promoting local content and strengthening partnerships across the continent.

The initiative has also boosted Africa’s presence in global engineering platforms, including the election of the first African WFEO President in 2023.

“For Tanzania, hosting this event provides a global stage to showcase readiness in adopting AI and digital technologies,” Engineer Manuhwa said.

He added that local engineers will benefit from networking opportunities, exposure to emerging technologies and international best practices.

A 10 million US dollar Engineering Capacity Building Project supported by WFEO is also expected to equip 100,000 African engineers with practical skills over the next decade.

A progress book documenting achievements of Africa Engineering Week from 2014 to 2026 will be launched during the event.

Ahead of the conference, 50 Tanzanian engineers will attend a seven-day AI masterclass supported by UNESCO, focusing on practical applications in engineering.

Local Organising Committee Chairperson, Engineer Martin David, said the programme has been designed to provide professional learning, networking and exposure for Tanzanian engineers.

Activities will begin on September 13 with delegate registration, a welcome reception and the unveiling of data frameworks for UNESCO’s Global Engineering Report.

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The official opening ceremony on September 15 is expected to be graced by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, alongside senior officials from the African Continental Free Trade Area and UNESCO.

The event will also highlight women’s participation through the Africa Women in Engineering Forum scheduled for September 14, which is expected to bring together more than 500 female engineers.

IET Women’s Chapter Chairperson, Engineer Zainab Katima, said the forum will focus on leadership, environmental sustainability and mental health, while encouraging young women to pursue engineering careers.

The forum will feature the Mama Mhandisi Awards and, for the first time, honour veteran female engineers aged 65 and above as “SHEROES”.

Students from secondary schools and universities will also participate in exhibitions aimed at promoting engineering careers among young women.

The conference will further see the launch of the book Engineering Education in Tanzania, to be presented by Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda.

The event will conclude on September 17 with a Youth Forum, the FAEO Annual General Meeting and technical visits to key infrastructure projects, including the Tanzania Ports Authority Tank Farm Project.