East African delegates invited to School knowledge exchange programme

Wednesday, 13 September 2017

A group of 22 delegates from the East African construction industry were recently welcomed to the University as part of the Africa Construction Capacity Building Programme.

Arranged by the School of the Built Environment, the summer visit was requested by construction organisations in East Africa to help them better understand the advances in construction technology, safety and health, environmental sustainability, and modern methods of procurement. All delegates were of CEO level, with guests including the Vice-President of the Sudanese Contractors Association, Secretary General of the Federation of Sudanese Engineers, the Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia, and the Chairman of the Federation of Arab Contractors.

During their visit, the delegates took part in site visits and presentations on live projects by staff from the School of the Built Environment, the wider University and industry leaders. 

One of the presentations focused on the development of the Thames Valley Science Park, outlining the history of the project development process, the building’s design ethos and construction progress to date. 

The School of the Built Environment has built strong links with many developing countries in Africa and Asia, and is frequently approached to host executive courses intended to introduce overseas consultants and contractors to the best of British practice and technology.

In turn, these programmes help the School recruit students and to develop research ideas that will aid developing countries in furthering their capacity building.