FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference Unveiled
Launch of FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference 2026 in Ghana
The Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA) recently launched the annual FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference (FAIC 2026) at the Engineering Centre in Roman Ridge, Accra. This significant event marks the beginning of preparations for the conference, which is set to take place in Ghana from 10th May to 13th May 2026.
During the launch, the President of GCEA, Ing Kwabena Bempong, welcomed attendees and highlighted the critical infrastructure gap in Africa. According to AfDB estimates, the annual infrastructure gap in Africa ranges between 130 and 170 billion Dollars. However, the financial shortfall is approximately 68 to 108 billion Dollars, which significantly hinders economic growth, job creation, and access to essential services like energy, water, and transportation.
As consulting engineers, Bempong emphasized that they are the architects of the built environment. He noted that while various interventions have been made in the past to bridge this gap, engineering practitioners, particularly consulting engineers, have played a leading role in these efforts. The need to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to ensure that infrastructure investments do not go to waste is crucial. This is where the annual Infrastructure Conference of FIDIC comes into play, providing a platform for brainstorming and shaping the direction of resilient infrastructure.
The theme for FAIC 2026 is “Future Ready Infrastructure: Advancing Africa through innovation and sustainability.” Bempong concluded that GCEA is proud to host this launch and the main conference in May because they believe that the consulting engineer is the primary guardian of this theme. Through FAIC 2026, GCEA aims to:
- Standardize Sustainable Practices: Elevating the bar for consultancy across the continent.
- Bridge the Innovation Gap: Creating a platform for young African engineers to pitch disruptive technologies.
- Lead the Dialogue: Ensuring that “Future Ready” becomes the blueprint for every national development plan in Africa.
Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse, the President of GhIE, explained the significance of FIDIC since its formation in 1913. He stated that the Federation has become the global voice for consulting engineers and a worldwide reference for various forms of contract conditions. He added that institutions such as the World Bank rely extensively on these standard forms. Hesse therefore welcomed Africa to Ghana for FIAC 2026 in Accra from 10th May to 13th May 2026.
The keynote speaker at the launch, Ing. Kofi Asare Yeboah, provided insights into the origin of FIDIC. He said, “Our roots on this continent run deep. As far back as 1962, the first African member associations—representing Central Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe joined the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) body. They knew then what we know now: that African engineering deserves a seat at the global table.”
In 1993, that vision took a more formal shape with the birth of the Group of African Member Associations, famously known as GAMA. GAMA was formed to be the unified voice of African consulting engineers, fostering networking, enhancing capacity building, and ensuring that they were not just spectators but leaders in regional infrastructure development. Whether it was the landmark 2013 Khartoum conference in Sudan, which drew over 300 delegates, or the establishment of our regional presence in Tanzania, GAMA was the engine of our growth.
As GAMA evolved, so did its influence. It eventually became FIDIC Africa, reinforcing its direct link to the international body in Geneva while maintaining a laser focus on the unique challenges of the continent.
