The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
Pan-African Knowledge <br />partnership
Back to Previous

Pan-African Knowledge
partnership

Tag
Author
Date published
Price
Buy Now

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), in partnership with the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC), is proud to launch the Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge partnership — a major initiative aimed at building structural engineering capacity across the African continent.

This pioneering partnership will provide 10 African Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs), members of the CEC, with access to world-class technical resources and learning materials to support the development of safe,
resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. 

What the partnership offers 

African PEIs participating in this initiative will benefit from: 

  • Free access to IStructE Technical Guidance Notes (TGNs) and Essential Knowledge Texts (EKTs)

  • 100+ on-demand and live webinars and events, designed by experts for real-world application 

  • ​Access to a bursary scheme to support participation in relevant IStructE CPD courses and webinars

  •  Climate Emergency design tools, including: 

    • How to calculate embodied carbon 

    • The Structural Carbon Tool 

    • ​On-demand course: Embodied Carbon Basics for Structural Engineers 

  • Membership discounts, including: 

    • Discounted Affiliate and Graduate membership rates 

    • ​Free Student Membership with dedicated promotion across Africa 

All resources are available online either via the IStructE platform and participating African PEI websites. 

Why this partnership matters 

"The IStructE’s mission is rooted in a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that the structures built around the world are safe, resilient, and sustainable... We are excited to collaborate with our international partners on this project." 
— Yasmin Becker, CEO, Institution of Structural Engineers 
 

With rapid urbanisation, climate challenges, and population growth shaping the future of Sub-Saharan Africa, structural engineers have a pivotal role to play. By sharing global expertise and localising solutions, this partnership aims to upskill the profession and support the next generation of engineers in building safe and sustainable communities. 

Dr Tendayi Munyebvu on the Pan African partnership

Banner image of Yasmin Becker

Yasmin Becker Chief Executive IStructE

Yasmin Becker shares her thoughts on the importance of the Pan African partnership

Banner image of Dawn Bonfield

Dawn Bonfield Hon FIStructE

Dawn Bonfield is the President of the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC), and an Honorary Fellow of IStructE. In this blog Dawn explains the new partnership with IStructE and the vision for sustainable urbanisation.

Relevant resources

Webinar
A bird's-eye view of a person walking across a bridge

Bridges for rural access

This webinar supports the Institution’s Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge Partnership.

Date – 23 April 2026
Location – Online
Price – Free
Lecture
Construction of Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture

Building for impact: lessons from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture campus

This lecture explores the delivery of an award‑winning, earthquake‑resistant project in rural Rwanda, examining context‑specific challenges of working with local materials in a seismic zone while building skills, supply chains, and lasting community impact.

Date – 21 May 2026
Location – Online
Price – £0
Training
Slanted concrete columns

Applying the principles of lean concrete design

Watch this webinar recording that supports the Institution’s Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge Partnership.

Date – 27 November 2025
Author – Various
Price – Free
Training
<h4>Structural timber engineering in East Africa</h4>

Structural timber engineering in East Africa

This resource supports the Institution’s Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge Partnership. 

Date – 5 March 2026
Author – Various
Price – Free
Training
A banner image showing the regions the Global conference will take place

Global safety, sustainability and resilience conference

This unique international conference was designed to provide technical updates on safety, sustainability and regional resilience priorities.

Date – 10 March 2026
Author – Various
Price – Free
IStructE pattern 1A

Pan-African Knowledge partnership bursary scheme

We are delighted to announce the launch of a bursary scheme designed to support structural engineers across Africa by removing financial barriers to access to the Institution’s professional development courses and webinars.

Partnering Institutions 

The following Professional Engineering Institutions are participating in the Knowledge Partnership: 

Voices from the community 


"We are thrilled to connect IStructE with our African PEIs for this innovative project... Sharing global best practice is essential to building a safe built environment that can withstand climate change." 
— Dawn Bonfield, President, Commonwealth Engineers’ Council 
 

"There are myriad opportunities for Sub-Saharan African countries to make our cities safer, greener, and inclusive. IStructE’s Partnership is a welcome initiative—not just for engineers, but the societies they serve." 
— Sanzan Diarra, CEO, Zimbabwe Institution of Engineer.
 

Looking ahead 

By co-creating and sharing structural engineering knowledge, the IStructE and CEC aim to: 

As Africa prepares for a future where two-thirds of its population may live in cities by 2050 (OECD, Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics, 2025), this initiative is both timely and vital. 

 

Get Involved 

Whether you're an engineering student, graduate, academic, or practitioner—access the tools, connect with peers, and become part of a global movement for structural resilience. 

Together, we’re building stronger structures - and stronger futures. If you wish to get involved, please email [email protected]

 

Item Added to basket

Go to checkout