Inaugural GhIE-Prof. Douglas Boateng Lecture explores engineering’s role in Africa’s industrial future

The inaugural GhIE-Professor Douglas Boateng Annual Lecture took place Thursday 30th May, issuing a clarion call to heavily leverage engineering, industrialization, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the expedited growth of Ghana and the continent at large.

Held at the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Conference Room, the lecture explored the crucial role of engineering in driving industrialization across Africa, particularly in the context of AfCFTA.

Addressing participants attending both in person and online, renowned industrial engineer Professor Douglas Boateng highlighted the synergies between robust engineering practices and the successful implementation of AfCFTA. He emphasized the necessity of sustainable infrastructure and advanced manufacturing technologies for Africa to fully leverage the benefits of AfCFTA.

"Engineering is a catalyst for industrial transformation and economic integration. With the requisite investment in infrastructure and technology, we can unlock the full potential of AfCFTA for Africa’s development. This will enable us to build resilient economies that are not only self-sufficient but also globally competitive," he said.

Prof. Boateng further elaborated that engineering, as the backbone of industrialization, has become even more crucial for the continent’s sustained growth in the context of AfCFTA. "The continent’s ability to innovate and build resilient infrastructure is critical in determining Africa’s success on the global market," he added.

Commenting further, Prof. Boateng stressed the importance of integrated engineering solutions to address the complex challenges of industrialization. He emphasized that engineering disciplines must work together to create holistic and sustainable industrial systems that can withstand the test of time and evolving market demands. "The future of Africa's industrialization lies in our ability to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to engineering. By collaborating across various engineering fields, we can develop comprehensive solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable and resilient," he stated.

The President of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, highlighted the critical need for substantial investment in engineering education and vocational training. He argued that developing local talent is essential for sustaining industrial growth and ensuring that African countries can independently manage and expand their industrial bases. "Without a well-trained workforce, the continent's industrial ambitions would remain unfulfilled," he said.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines, Professor Boateng confirmed that discussions were progressing very well regarding him addressing various parliamentarians in special sittings of their respective parliaments.

Themed “Engineering, Industrialization, AfCFTA, and Strategic Sourcing: The Inextricable Links,” the lecture brought together a distinguished audience of academics, industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives. The annual lecture series promises to be a seminal event on Ghana’s and the rest of the continent’s engineering calendar, exploring the role of engineering and other sectors for the sustained growth and development of the continent and beyond. Among other things, it aims to foster continuous dialogue and collaboration amongst relevant stakeholders, paving the way for a technologically advanced continent.