The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC) and 10 African professional engineering institutions, has launched a new initiative to strengthen structural engineering capacity across Africa.
The Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge Partnership will provide engineers in Kenya and nine other countries with free access to IStructE’s technical resources, training materials, and collaborative opportunities.
The initiative’s goal is to enhance skills, promote sustainable design, and improve the resilience of infrastructure in the face of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
“This partnership is about sharing knowledge to build a safer, more resilient built environment,” said Yasmin Becker, CEO of IStructE.
What the partnership offers
Through this initiative, engineers will gain access to:
- Technical manuals and guides on safe design, including for earthquake-prone areas
- Over 100 free on-demand and live events
- Climate Emergency resources, including tools for calculating embodied carbon
- Discounted rates for Affiliate and Graduate membership
- Free Student membership and support for early-career development
“In an era defined by climate change and global inequality, structural engineering must be collaborative and forward-looking,” Yasmin stated.
Support for Professional Development
The partnership offers discounted rates for IStructE Affiliate and Graduate memberships. Student membership is free, with proactive promotion to encourage early-career development. Engineers will also collaborate with IStructE to co-create new knowledge tailored to local needs.
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IStructE CEO Yasmin Becker said the initiative reflects the organisation’s mission to ensure structures worldwide are safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Kenya Among 10 African Partners
The Institution of Engineers Kenya (IEK) is one of the 10 African professional engineering institutions involved. Others include:
- Institution of Engineers, Rwanda (EIR) – Rwanda
- Engineers for Change Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone
- Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) – Sierra Leone
- South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) – South Africa
- South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) – South Africa
- Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET) – Tanzania
- Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) – Uganda
- Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) – Zimbabwe
- Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) – Zimbabwe
Why It Matters
According to the OECD, Africa’s population is expected to double to 2.2 billion by 2050, with two-thirds living in cities.
This demographic shift places immense pressure on infrastructure and demands a skilled engineering workforce capable of delivering safe, sustainable, and resilient structures.
“Sharing global best practice is essential to build and sustain a safe built environment that can withstand climate change, now and in the future,” Dawn Bonfield, President of the CEC, added.
A free online launch event titled “Pan-African Knowledge Partnership: Strengthening Engineering Capacity Through Global Collaboration” will be held on 16 September 2025, from 10:00 to 161:00 EAT. Speakers include Yasmin Becker and IStructE Vice President Tendayi Munyebvu.
About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
Founded in 1908, the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) is the world’s largest professional body dedicated to structural engineering.
With over 30,000 members in 139 countries, IStructE sets global standards for technical excellence and professional competence in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.
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The Institution supports its members through rigorous professional assessments, continuous learning opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technical resources. It also plays a leading role in promoting public safety, sustainability, and innovation in the built environment.
About the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC)
The Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC) is a global network that promotes the advancement of engineering for the benefit of society across Commonwealth nations.
It brings together professional engineering institutions to collaborate on shared challenges, exchange best practices, and support sustainable development.
CEC advocates for engineering’s role in addressing global issues such as climate change, infrastructure resilience, and inclusive growth.
It fosters partnerships among member institutions to strengthen professional standards, education, and capacity-building across diverse regions.
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