By Martin Chemhere

A significant opportunity awaits Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development as the Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) announces its 2025 Infrastructure Indaba. With Zimbabwe facing pressing developmental priorities, including the revitalization of aging infrastructure and the pursuit of sustainable growth, participation in this event could prove invaluable.

Sending a strong delegation of Zimbabwean engineers and infrastructure experts to the Indaba, scheduled for March 18-19, 2025, at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, would facilitate crucial knowledge exchange and collaboration with South African counterparts.

By engaging with leading public and private sector figures, Zimbabwe can glean insights into best practices, innovative solutions, and effective strategies for infrastructure development.

Furthermore, the Indaba offers a platform to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities, while sharing Zimbabwe’s own infrastructure challenges and successes, strengthening regional ties and aligning with national development goals.

The CESA Infrastructure Indaba, themed “Engineering the Future We Want: Mobilising for Sustainable Development,” aims to address critical infrastructure needs and stimulate economic growth.

The event will feature a diverse lineup of participants, including South Africa’s Honourable Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager’s interim Chief Executive, Moshe Motlohi. Major infrastructure entities like PRASA and Eskom, along with financial institutions such as Investec and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, will contribute their expertise.

Industry perspectives will be shared by organizations like the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa and Business Unity South Africa, while academic insights will come from the University of Cape Town and Johannesburg Business School.

CESA CEO Chris Campbell emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Now more than ever, this Indaba represents how collaboration takes precedence over division.” He highlighted the event’s focus on fostering ethical leadership and sustainable solutions for future generations, emphasizing the legacy being created.

The Indaba will provide a crucial platform for networking, bringing together public officials, engineering consultants, and industry leaders to address infrastructure challenges and opportunities.

Campbell urged South African stakeholders to participate in shaping the nation’s infrastructure future, a call that resonates strongly for Zimbabwe as it seeks to bolster its own developmental trajectory.