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Connect Ethiopia visit to Ethiopia, September 2006
Engineers Ireland (Director General Kevin Kernan, Registrar Denis McGrath) participated in the Connect Ethiopia visit to Ethiopia in September 2006. The group was led by Brody Sweeney (O’Brien’s Sandwich Bars Group) and Philip Lee (Philip Lee & Associates Solicitors), and comprised 32 individuals representing organisations from the coffee, tourism, horticulture, textile, media and engineering industries.
Engineers Ireland participated in meetings with the following groups:
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Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers (EACE)
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Ethiopian Association of Electrical Engineers
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Ethiopian Association of Mechanical Engineers
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Ministry of Capacity Building
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JEAPAS (Joint Engineering and Architectural Professional Association Secretariat)
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European Commission for Civil Society
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GTZ
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Tim Clarke, Head of Delegation, European Commission
Some background
The Ethiopian construction industry is booming, with 13 new universities being constructed. Cement prices have tripled, with 5 new factories planned to complement the existing state-run factories (3 of the factories will be built by the Chinese). Roads & commercial construction also very strong, and 400,000 new houses are planned for the next 5 years.
The main industries are nationalised (cement, telecoms, energy), with 40% unemployment. There are opportunities in pharma area, particularly to deal with local diseases. Some 40% of government funding is from aid.
Almost all electricity is generated from hydro, with new dams under construction. Electricity network linkages planned with Djibouti, Sudan, Kenya. Per capita debt is low at $14.
Following a pilot German-supported initiative, a major Engineering Capacity Building Programme (ECBP) is currently underway in Ethiopia, under the control of the Ministry for Capacity Building. The programme includes:
- Technical University Reform
- Technical Vocational Educational overhaul (trades + technicians)
- Quality and Standards Infrastructure Development
- Private and Business Services development
As part of the university reform, the various engineering education programmes will be accredited by a German body, ACQUIN.
The various engineering professional bodies in Ethiopian are in their infancy (less than 10 years old), have relatively small membership (each less than 1,000 members), and have very few resources at their disposal. It is planned to establish a formalised registration system for engineers and architects, with the support of Government, but support will clearly be needed to do this.
Memorandums of Understanding were signed by Engineers Ireland with both EACE and JEAPAS, to cover the following:
- Establishment of channels of communication
- Provide and exchange of relevant documentation and knowledge
- Assist in the establishment of criteria, regulations and procedures for the Registration and Certification of Engineers and Architects in Ethiopia (JEAPAS only)
- Any other related matters by mutual agreement
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