Research and Advisory

Empowering Your Engineering Talent: A Collaborative Approach

SAICE-PDP: A Leader in Engineering Skills Research
SAICE-PDP has a rich history of impactful research, contributing valuable insights across various sectors of the built environment.
Our research portfolio encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including:
Royal Academy
Our Research

Driving Innovation in Africa:
The Impact of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, stands as a beacon of ingenuity and a catalyst for positive change across the African continent.

This prestigious award recognizes and supports African innovators who are developing scalable engineering solutions to address critical challenges in areas such as:
Healthcare: From remote diagnostics for heart disease and cancer to innovative solutions for combating malaria and improving maternal and child health, the Africa Prize has championed cutting-edge technologies that are transforming healthcare delivery.
Agriculture: Awardees have developed ingenious solutions for optimizing agricultural productivity, including technologies for soil analysis, precision farming, and improved crop yields.
Energy Access: From solar-powered solutions for pumping water and providing energy for cooking and heating to innovative renewable energy technologies, the Africa Prize has fostered sustainable energy solutions for rural communities.
Water and Sanitation: The Prize has supported the development of innovative water purification technologies, improving access to clean water and sanitation for communities across Africa.
Communication and Connectivity: Awardees have developed innovative communication and networking solutions, enabling access to education, facilitating job searches, and improving financial inclusion.

Beyond these key areas, the Africa Prize has nurtured a diverse ecosystem of innovation, showcasing the ingenuity of African engineers in addressing a wide range of challenges, from developing sustainable transportation solutions (like bamboo bicycles
and electric tuk-tuks) to harnessing the power of nature (like utilizing water hyacinths for food production and exploring the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source). The Africa Prize has not only celebrated groundbreaking innovations but also provided crucial support to these innovators, empowering them to bring their ideas to market and create a positive impact on African societies.
For more details on Africa prize solutions and how to apply:
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Transforming Engineering Education in Africa: The HEP SSA Impact

(Higher Education Partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa)

The Higher Education Partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa (HEP SSA) program, building upon the success of the “Enriching Engineering Education Programme,” aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry in sub-Saharan Africa. By fostering strong collaborations between universities and industry partners, HEP SSA strives to:

Equip African universities to produce engineers with the skills and knowledge demanded by the modern workforce. Address critical skills shortages and contribute to the economic development of the region.
Foster innovation by encouraging the development of locally relevant engineering solutions to address pressing societal challenges.
HEP SSA employs a “hub and spoke” model to maximize its impact. Hub universities receive funding to partner directly with industry, while also sharing their knowledge and expertise with a wider network of spoke universities through workshops, secondments, and collaborative research projects.

This impactful program is made possible through the generous support of the Anglo American Group Foundation and the UK Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund.
Key Achievements
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Empowering Engineering Bodies in Africa:
The Impact of the GCRF Africa Catalyst Programme

The GCRF Africa Catalyst programme, a pioneering initiative by the Royal Academy of Engineering, empowers professional engineering bodies across sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen their capacity and effectively serve their members. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, Africa Catalyst aims to:
Enhance the engineering profession: Elevate professional standards, promote ethical practice, and enhance the image of engineering within society.
Drive sustainable development: Equip engineers with the skills and knowledge to address critical challenges in infrastructure, climate change, and poverty reduction.
Build a strong and resilient engineering sector: Foster a vibrant and inclusive engineering community that can effectively contribute to the economic and social progress of Africa.

The African Engineering Professions Portal, developed by SAICE-PDP, serves as a valuable resource and a testament to the impact of the Africa Catalyst program. This online platform provides a central hub for information and resources related to engineering professions across the continent.

Visit the African Engineering Professionals Portal:

Our goal:

Driving
Innovation

Africa Catalyst has supported numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the governance, financial sustainability, and professional development programs of engineering institutions across the continent.

Developing Engineering Capacity

By investing in the professional development of engineers, Africa Catalyst contributes to building a skilled and competent engineering workforce.

Promoting
Best Practices

The program facilitates the sharing of best practices and knowledge among engineering bodies, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Our Academies offers cutting edge, hands on training and expert Mentorships

SAICE-PDP is a non-profit championing engineering excellence, empowering engineers. Empower engineers in South Africa and beyond with targeted training and development programs.

SAICE-PDP adapted to the “New Normal” by adding new courses to address contractual and project challenges.
Our online courses are now accessible on SAICE and CESA websites, catering to individual and company needs.
You can join facilitator-led courses from anywhere!