WIIT is the World Institute of Innovation and Technology for Developing Countries, established jointly by AAE and WIDCO. It focuses on the introduction, adaptation and localisation of innovative technology for developing countries, rather than on simply replicating mature technology solutions.
Run jointly with WIDCO (the World Innovation Development Cooperation Organization), this programme invites international scholars and experts with a strong engineering record who are willing to contribute time to engineering capacity building in Africa.
Africa has a long coastline and extensive inland waterways, but it faces a persistent shortage of maritime technicians. This programme is run with Quanzhou Ocean College and serves Africa’s ports, shipping and fisheries sectors.
AAE does not run its own research institute and does not compete with universities for projects. We support research that is anchored in a clearly defined engineering problem and that has an industrial or governmental partner involved.
Beyond initial education, many engineers and technicians need to update their skills in practice. AAE works with companies, vocational colleges and professional bodies to provide short, job-oriented training.
The Africa Prizes recognise African engineers and engineering teams who have made outstanding contributions to engineering practice, engineering education, or engineering in the service of society. The prizes are established by AAE, and review is carried out by an independent committee of Fellows, under nomination, conflict-of-interest and public notice rules.
The International Prizes recognise individuals and institutions worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to engineering capacity building in developing countries, to pro bono engineering technology, or to cooperation in engineering education. They are established by AAE together with international partners, and the International Committee organises nomination and review.
Engineering ultimately lands through industry. AAE has established cooperation with more than 200 large enterprises and, within the Academy, hosts a community of more than 200 global industry leaders. Cooperation proceeds on the basis of capacity building and does not affect the Academy’s independence and neutrality.