The Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) is seeking the creation of an African Council of Engineering, which would be under the auspices of the African Union (AU). "We have to establish an oversight body to ensure professional standards," FAEO president Martin van Veelen told the forty-fifth Plenary meeting of the National Science and Technology Forum on Friday.

He highlighted that the United Nations was going to replace the current Millennium Development Goals with Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving such goals will require a competent and dedicated engineering corps. "Without a proper engineering profession, this [sustainable development] will not happen."

Establishing functioning engineering bodies in all African countries was one of the challenges facing the FAEO. The Organisation had already set up four regional bodies -- for East, Central, Southern and West Africa. The creation of national bodies will allow the development of minimum standards guidelines in Africa.

"The playing field in Africa is not level," he pointed out. Different countries have different standards of both engineering and engineering education. Some countries have no requirement for engineers to register, so anyone can call themselves an engineer. "Engineers are not mobile. It is not possible to move from one country to another without going through some form of registration."

Thus, the setting up of appropriate engineering education standards is another of the FAEO's objectives. The body also wishes to participate in the AU's Science and Technology Strategy for Africa.

"Most African countries require their local engineers to bring in international engineering consultants," stated Van Veelen. "Personally, I think that is totally wrong. There is nothing wrong with the African engineer, despite differences in education. They can do the work adequately well." There was a need to counter this negative perception of African engineers.

With its head office in Abuja, Nigeria, the FAEO is currently in talks with the Nigerian government to set up a secretariat (both staff and a building) in the city. It is a member of the World Association of Engineering Organisations and has been recognised by the AU.