The KNUST TCC Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, and Technology Transfer (TCC-CIMET) is launching an initiative that involves engineering design competitions among engineering student associations across the continent.

Speaking at the Live Talk Show during the 10th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week, Director General Prof. Francis Davis explained that engineering student associations have the potential to provide solutions to Africa's problems.

"Africa's engineering student associations represent a powerful, untapped resource that we must harness in solving the continent's challenges," he said.

"These associations hold the potential to catalyze the innovative infrastructure solutions that are critical to the success of the AfCFTA and Africa's development."

"TCC-CIMET proposes an Engineering Design Competition for student associations across the continent," he continued.

"This competition, which will be a key feature of future UNESCO Africa Engineering Week celebrations, will challenge student groups to tackle real-world problems, particularly in the areas of the circular economy and waste management—where Africa faces significant issues."

He also explained that the designs that successfully pass scrutiny from the judges will be supported to become practical solutions.

"The groups will be tasked with developing creative design solutions that transform waste into wealth, providing sustainable and scalable innovations that can be implemented across Africa," he said.

"To support this initiative, we will bring together a panel of expert judges to evaluate these designs. The most innovative and impactful solution will receive the backing needed to nurture and realize its potential."

"The selected design will be supported through technology transfer and commercialisation, ensuring it becomes a practical solution that can be scaled up across the continent," he added.

"Importantly, the intellectual property and commercial rights will remain with the institutions and stakeholders who created the design."

The live talk show, themed "Engineering the Future with Students Associations: Catalyzing Sustainable Solutions and Infrastructure for a Swift AfCFTA," aimed to explore how student associations can drive future infrastructure development in Africa.

UNESCO's representative to Ghana, Mr. Edmund Moukala, encouraged the student associations to champion the participation of all individuals, regardless of gender and physical restrictions.

"Equally important is the role that student associations can play in promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering," he said.

"Women remain underrepresented in engineering roles across Africa, and persons with disabilities continue to face substantial barriers to entry and participation in technical fields.

"As future leaders, you have a responsibility to advocate for greater inclusion, to create spaces where underrepresented groups feel empowered to participate fully and thrive."

The event saw the presence of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, the Engineering Council, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, TCC-CIMET, industry professionals, and students from various engineering associations across the continent.

President of the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET), Ing. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, expressed the engineering council's intentions to ensure the cross-border exchange of human resources.

"In the engineering council, we, together with the LBs, are championing the idea of engineers across borders working everywhere," he said.

"Once you're a licensed engineer in Ghana, you should be able to practice in Nigeria. To achieve this, we need to have mutual recognition and agreements signed."