Elections are over, now we build the Africa we want through Agenda 2063

South Africans
went to the polls on Wednesday in its fifth, pivotal general election since the
advent of democracy. Now, all eyes remain on the IEC boards as the preliminary
results emerge. And while many South African voters are focused on social
issues, such as job creation, some candidates in the race could significantly
and directly impact the stance of the country’s construction industry.

Already, industry
players are re-thinking the way in which the built environment is planned,
designed and delivered. Alternative strategies for funding are promoted and
those in the industry journey the long road to spatial transformation, which is
critical in the development of cities.

Transformation –
not only an aspiration voiced by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he asked
supporters to together ‘build a great country, which belongs to all South
Africans,’ but a hope for Wednesday’s voters and all African leaders working
towards a shared strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable
development. Ultimately allowing thought to the question, what is the Africa I want?

The African
Union believes the birth of Agenda 2063 came from the realisation by African
leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritise Africa’s agenda, from
the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence for
Africa.  The master plan is to transform
Africa into the global powerhouse of the future – a compelling aspiration for the
outcome of South Africa’s general election.

Against this
background, the African Construction Expo – co-located with the
Totally Concrete Expo, Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa Expo, African
Construction Awards as well as the African Smart Cities Summit – allows leaders
in the construction industry to inspire action and create the Africa they want
by delivering their blueprint for transforming Africa’s built environment.

When asked about his vision for the industry, Joe
Odhiambo the CEO of Agrément said, ‘The
construction industry has the potential to grow from its current low base. The
outlook should be positive after a long period of low investment. The industry
should experience sustained increase investment spending and thus growth. This
should bode well for the young graduates who have struggled to get employment
opportunities in the industry. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will open new
channels for investments in the industry and it will no longer be business as
usual. Innovative construction technologies will gain prominence and those who
adopt these new technologies will benefit the most.’

Odiambo is a keynote speaker at the Stakeholder
Engagement Forum, this year a significant event as it intends to shed light on the importance of active
engagement between the built environment professionals and various stakeholders
in housing and human settlements, contributing to alternative approaches to
development, professionalism and innovation. Many construction
professionals across Africa can mark their calendar for the forum, taking place
at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 12 June 2019. 

‘Given the construction industry’s
challenges and contracting growth over the last decade, the expo affords an
opportunity to rethink challenges the industry has been facing and mapping
a positive way forward,’ explained Tracy-Lee
Behr, Portfolio Director of African
Construction Expo at dmg events.

For more information, or to secure
attendance, visit www.africanconstructionexpo.com