The African Continental Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Real Estate Summit Concludes
The 2nd African Continental Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Real Estate Summit, themed “Integrating Sustainable Built Environment for Socio-Economic Transformation through the Use of New Generation Technology and Generative Artificial Intelligence,” has concluded. This event brought together all stakeholders in the African built environment, offering a unique platform for introspection on the past, present, and future of the sector in the age of artificial intelligence.
The summit emphasized the urgent need to integrate the African built environment for socio-economic transformation across the continent. It marked one of Africa’s most impactful events in the built environment and real estate sectors, drawing participants from across the continent and beyond. Discussions centered around industry best practices, modern innovations, and technologies shaping the future of built environments globally.
The primary objective was to set the stage for the integration of the African built environment while fostering partnerships, collaborations, and promoting sustainability for corporate growth and continental prosperity.
Organized by the Africa Continental Engineering & Construction Network Ltd (ACECN) in collaboration with various industry stakeholders, the summit attracted a wide range of participants, including building contractors, construction firms, engineers, surveyors, planners, architects, project managers, land economists, real estate developers, builders, landscaping professionals, real estate professionals, material suppliers, glaziers, fabricators, interior design companies, roofing technicians, transport and logistics companies, facility management institutions, banks, investors, insurance institutions, government agencies, regulators, IoT experts, legal consultants, AI professionals, sustainability consultants, oil and gas marketing companies, research and technology service providers, and artisans.
Over 300 in-person participants attended the event, with the majority coming from Ghana, the host country. Notable attendees included Madam Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Engr. Olu Ogunduyile, Vice President of COREN; Dr. Modasiru Bola J., Principal Partner of Prolarank Nigeria Ltd; Prof. Taddeo Rusoke, Climate Governance Expert from Uganda; Dr. John Rwakihembo, Dean of Mountain of the Moon University; Dr. Bldr. Abdulhakkeem Odegade, MD/CEO of Akmodel Group; Mr. Stephen Merritt, Roadbond EN1 Technical Consultant; and several local industry leaders from Ghana.
Key topics discussed at the summit included the urgency of integrating the African built environment, the impact of AI on the sector, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Mr. Daniel Kontie, convener of ACEACRES 2024 and CEO of ACECN, highlighted how integration transforms the industry into a continental opportunity, creating larger markets for all players.
Sponsors had the chance to engage in B2B and B2C networking, connecting with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and end consumers. Many established new business relationships, enhanced brand visibility, generated leads, and gained insights into industry trends.
Participants also benefited from networking with industry leaders, accessing cutting-edge insights, learning from case studies, building personal resilience, discovering new opportunities, gaining inspiration from thought leaders, and identifying lucrative niches within the industry.
Key Partners and Collaborations
The event was supported by several key partners, including the Ghana Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET-GH), the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG), the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA), the Ghana Institute of Construction (GIOC), Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals Association (CEWPAG), Ghana Association of Real Estate Brokers (GAREB), Local Government Service Engineers Association (LoGSEA), Commercial Quarry Operators Association (COQOA), Engineering Council, Ghana (EC), the Real Estate Council (REAC), the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environmental Professionals (GhISEP), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) with Nimark Consult and Culnad Construction Ltd, among others.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Daniel Kontie emphasized the importance of rotating the summit across the African continent. While the third edition will be hosted in Ghana, future editions are planned to be held in Nigeria or Uganda, following a rotating order.
Vision and Mission of the Organizer
The organizer, Africa Continental Engineering & Construction Network Ltd (ACECN), is a Pan-African built environment and real estate firm based in Ghana, with a vast network of professionals across the continent and beyond. Its vision is to become one of Africa’s top five built environment brands within the next decade, while creating a strong continental network that integrates Africa’s fragmented built environment through professional, intergovernmental, and sustainability-focused networking.
Its mission is to be a game-changer in delivering superior built environment services across all disciplines, championing contemporary innovations and sustainability to drive the socio-economic transformation of the African continent.
