Freetown – Shadi Gerjawi, the Managing Director of Africell Sierra Leone, has underscored the crucial role of engineering in national development, describing it as the “architect of our future.” Gerjawi made these remarks during a four-day symposium organized by the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) at the New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown. The event, themed “Contemporary Approaches to Engineering Education and Practices,” brought together engineers from across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Liberia, The Gambia, Kenya, and other anglophone countries.
The symposium, held every four years, aims to induct new members into the engineering profession and foster discussions on the latest trends and practices in engineering. This year’s event highlighted the significant impact of engineering on societal development and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation within the field.
In his address, Gerjawi emphasized the importance of such symposiums for the engineering profession, stating, “These gatherings are crucial as they help engineers understand the relevance of their profession and how it can be used as a problem-solving tool in society.” He stressed that engineering is fundamental to the sustainable progress of any country, encouraging engineers to integrate knowledge from other disciplines to enhance their impact.
Gerjawi also highlighted Africell’s commitment to supporting education and entrepreneurship, particularly in digital technology, to help individuals realize their full potential. “As a company, we have always been supportive of initiatives that equip people with the skills needed for the future. Our focus on digital technology education is part of this commitment,” he noted.
Furthermore, Gerjawi pointed out Africell’s efforts to promote gender diversity within the engineering field. “We pay special attention to female engineers, which serves as a motivating factor for more women to join the profession,” he said.
Engineering plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life by using knowledge, skills, and creativity to design, build, and maintain essential systems and technologies. From providing clean water and electricity to developing life-saving medical devices, engineers make a tangible impact on the world around us.
The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to leverage engineering for national development and to inspire the next generation of engineers to continue innovating for the betterment of society.
