Eng. Hassan Abdelaziz, President of the African Federation for Construction Contractors’ Associations (AFCCA), accompanied by Ambassador Hatem Tageldin, Secretary-General of AFCCA, paid an official visit to Zimbabwe as part of their efforts to strengthen African cooperation in the construction sector and to participate in the Annual General Meeting and Congress of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ), held in Masvingo on 24-27 September, 2025, under the theme: “Building Smarter: Advancing Innovation and Efficiency for a Sustainable Future.”
The meetings provided an opportunity to engage with government officials and members of the business community in Zimbabwe, in the presence of Honourable Retired General Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Housing, Local Government and Public Works, Finance, and Transport, as well as from the Government of Masvingo Province and authorities responsible for investment (ZIDA) and taxation (ZIMRA). Conference sessions addressed key themes such as infrastructure development, investment incentives, taxation frameworks, the role of public–private partnerships in advancing the industry, the impact of artificial intelligence on modern construction, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and Challenges for the Zimbabwean Construction Industry.
During the sessions, Eng. Abdelaziz, President of AFCCA, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of cooperation among national federations across the continent and the role of AFCCA in supporting African integration in the construction and infrastructure sectors. He also stressed the importance of forming strategic alliances and sustainable partnerships between African companies to confront challenges posed by large foreign firms. AFCCA has gained the support of the African Union Commission (AUC) in advocating for preferential treatment for African contractors in projects,requiring foreign companies to partner with African firms, and to use locally manufactured materials and labourin support of African economic and social security.
Eng. Abdelaziz added that AFCCA places special emphasis on exploring practical solutions for providing integrated financing services to African companies through banking facilities and risk guarantees. Relevant financial institutions and banks are regularly invited to participate in the “Builders of Egypt” Forum, co-organized by AFCCA, as an opportunity to interact with stakeholders, learn about their activities and financial priorities, and review potential cooperation mechanisms.
He affirmed the need to strengthen the technical and administrative capacities of African companies to keep pace with rapid technological developments in construction methods and digital transformation, enabling them to implement advanced infrastructure projects, smart cities, and other high-quality initiatives, while competing effectively with large foreign companies. In this regard, capacity building and the exchange of expertise have become top priorities. Eng. Hassan Abdelaziz mentioned that AFCCA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations (CICA), aimed at improving quality and safety standards in construction projects and enhancing knowledge sharing and vocational training (www.cica.net).
The President of AFCCA also addressed the challenges related to environmental and climate change and the threats they pose to African infrastructure. He emphasized the need for African contractors to adopt environmentally friendly construction methods that can better adapt to harsh climatic conditions and to promote green construction practices that conserve energy and water.
Eng. Abdelaziz further highlighted other challenges arising from natural disasters, political conflicts, and global economic crises, which require African nations to work together and develop strategies that enhance the continent’s collective capabilities and unity in pursuit of sustainable development.
Ambassador Tageldin, Secretary-General of AFCCA, presented an overview of the Federation’s legal framework as an international organization established in 2006. He noted that AFCCA signed its Headquarters Agreement with the Government of Egypt in August 2007, followed by the issuance of a Presidential Decree in December 2007. Ambassador Tageldin highlighted AFCCA’s role, strategic objectives, vision, core values, and opportunities for collaboration with CIFOZ members, including knowledge exchange, capacity building, joint ventures, and regional partnerships.
Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Martin Chingaira, CEO of CIFOZ, and his dedicated team for their outstanding efforts in ensuring the success of the meetings.
The visit concluded with congratulations extended to Mrs. Linah Choko on her election as the Incoming President of CIFOZ, and to Eng. Ephraim Gwindingwi, Immediate Past President of CIFOZ, on his election as Vice President of AFCCA representing the Southern Africa region.
CIFOZ is a non-profit construction contractors’ association established in 1915 and they are one of the first members of AFCCA. CIFOZ has maintained an active role in AFCCA’s meetings and activities ever since.
AFCCA looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with CIFOZ and exploring new avenues of cooperation to support the construction industry across the African continent.
(For more information, please visit: www.cifoz.co.zw )
