The 3rd Annual Africa Facilities Management Conference, held on November 16th and 17th, 2023, at the University of Nairobi, marked a significant milestone in the advancement of facilities management practices across the continent. Bringing together professionals, experts, and stakeholders from various African countries and international organizations, the conference provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the exploration of emerging trends and technologies.

The theme of the conference, "Accelerating Facilities Management across Africa: Towards Sustainability," resonated with the pressing need to optimize the management of facilities while embracing sustainability principles. This theme guided the discussions throughout the two-day event, shaping the focus on skills development, standardization, and sustainability as key drivers of progress in the sector.

The conference commenced with an opening ceremony on Thursday, November 16th. Arch. Peter Njeru, Chairman of the host Department – Department of Real Estate, Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying, highlighted the importance of facilities management in ensuring the efficient and sustainable operation of buildings and infrastructure.

Prof. Lilac Osanjo, the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama, and expressed their support for the development of a comprehensive course on Facilities Management at the university. Prof. Lilac emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to address the growing demand for facilities management professionals in Africa.

Eng. Sherif Maged, Chairperson of the Africa Facilities Management Association, noted the importance of fostering collaboration among African countries to advance the profession and contribute to sustainable development stating, “The goal of the annual conferences to deepen awareness in facilities management through knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing emerging practices and technologies.”

One of the central themes of the conference was the critical issue of the skills gap in the facilities management sector. Participants acknowledged the rapid evolution of technology and the impact of an aging workforce on the industry. To address these challenges, a strong emphasis was placed on building talent and developing the next generation of facilities management professionals. Apprenticeships, inviting environments for newcomers, and early career fairs were identified as potential solutions to attract and train the next generation of facilities management professionals.

The need for standardization in facilities management practices emerged as a critical discussion point. Participants recognized the benefits of standardized guidelines and procedures in ensuring consistent service delivery, enhancing efficiency, and reducing risks. Standardization was seen as a key factor in promoting professionalism and collaboration across the African continent.

Sustainability emerged as a cornerstone of the conference, with presenters highlighting the importance of incorporating eco-conscious practices into facilities management. Participants discussed strategies for reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and adopting sustainable building materials and technologies. The integration of sustainability principles was emphasized as a crucial step toward achieving long-term environmental and economic benefits.

The conference featured a series of insightful keynote addresses and presentations from renowned experts in the field of facilities management. These sessions provided valuable insights into the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies shaping the industry. Speakers such as Lara Paemen, Maria Morapedi, Prof. Hikmot Koleoso, Prof. Chioma Okoro, Steven Molloy, Diana Gachuhi, Prof. Chioma Okoro, Eunice Macharia, Sherif Khaled, David Siriba, and Dr. Mko Balugon shared their expertise and insights on critical topics such as strategic facilities management, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability integration.

The 3rd Annual Africa Facilities Management Conference concluded with a renewed sense of optimism and commitment to advancing the profession across the continent. The conference served as a catalyst for collaboration and growth, fostering partnerships among stakeholders and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The 4th Annual Conference, scheduled for 2024 in South Africa, is poised to continue this momentum, driving innovation and excellence in facilities management practices across Africa.