While the need for infrastructure development in Africa is growing, the lack of skills and workforce required to bridge the project-preparation gap continues to hinder development.  Strategic initiatives and fresh approaches to develop construction industry skills are now arising out of this demand gap.  From the public sector, governments across Africa are incorporating skills development into national planning and from the private sector, South Africa sets an example with 25% of its construction industry CEOs contemplating major change to their strategies for managing talent over the next 12 months. 

Proof of this movement is also being seen with over 2000 construction professionals from the public and private sector alike signing up to prioritise skills development and commercial collaboration at  the TotallyConcrete Expo taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 3 to 5 June.

PPC is the main sponsor of the event and brings a unique learning approach with a series of do-it-yourself workshops giving hands-on exposure to cement handling and mixing techniques.  "PPC continues its dedication to industry development in Africa through its sponsorship of the TotallyConcrete Expo where we will host a series of do-it-yourself workshops to enhance expertise and host industry stakeholders,” says Nomzamo Khanyile, Group Public Relations Manager for PPC  There are also over 50 African media and partner associations supporting this leading cement, concrete and construction industry event and partner organisations include the Concrete Society of Southern Africa, the Engineering Council of South Africa, Eskom, Kenya Master Builders Federation, Master Builders Association of South Africa, Namibia Institute of Architects, Institute of Engineers Tanzania and National Home Builder’s Registration Council of South Africa.  Other sponsors of the event include Lafarge, Sephaku Cement, AfriSam, NPC Cimpor and Reimer.

The event is a timely endeavour designed by industry to provide both businesses and governments the opportunity to work together and plug the skills gap. Webster Mfebe, Executive Director of the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors will address challenges such as the shortage of artisans in the workforce and new technology creating the need for new skills.  Vika di Panzu, Former CEO of DRC’s national electricity utility, Societe Nationale de l’Electricite, will offer insights into the level of skills required to achieve efficient delivery of major infrastructure projects.

VIP participants including Ministers from Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe as well as C-level executives from Africa’s leading engineering, procurement and contracting companies will attend to foster regional collaboration towards continental growth and construction industry development advocates will enable the discussion for industry standards and training.  Itumeleng Dlamini, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of South Africa and Eng. Joseph Makoju, President of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria are some of the African pioneers who will bring new ideas and best practices to the onsite discussion.

With increased government spending in infrastructure and more CEOs predicted to improve their investment in skills and workforce over the next three years, the TotallyConcrete Expo is a timely and attractive opportunity for construction professionals from over 28 countries to engage in strategic decision making for the building of 21^st century Africa.