The Engineering Capacity Building for Africa Programme (ECBAP), initiated by WFEO, has been officially endorsed as a Programme of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).
As a flagship global initiative led by WFEO to strengthen engineering capacity worldwide, ECBAP builds on the global trends of digital and green transformation and strategically focuses on the central role of engineering technology in advancing sustainable development. ECBAP promotes the application of emerging engineering methodologies — such as artificial intelligence and digital technologies — across key sectors including energy, agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure, thereby shaping an integrated “Digital + Engineering” framework.
Through enhancing the engineering technology and knowledge sharing, reinforcing data-driven engineering decision-making, and improving engineering system design and implementation capabilities, ECBAP supports African countries in developing localized, engineering-based, and scalable solutions to major sustainable development challenges. Beyond advancing the adoption of digital tools in engineering practice, ECBAP also aims to strengthen engineering education systems, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and engineering innovation methodologies, ensuring that engineering technology becomes a powerful enabler for achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 August 2023 and is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The inclusion of ECBAP in the IDSSD framework not only demonstrates the international community’s recognition of the foundational role of engineering in sustainable development, but also provides a new platform and opportunity to foster international cooperation in engineering science and technology.
The report has been prepared by ECBAP International Programme Office.
For more information:
ECBAP presentation in the IDSSD website
IDSSD webpage on UNESCO website
JAN
2026