How TWF is Bridging the Gap, Demand for Skilled Welders Across Africa

Fresh indications have emerged that the demand for skilled welders across Africa has continued to outpace supply, this is even as the The Welding Federation (TWF) has reiterated its role as a rallying force for the growth of the sector through
positive sharing of best practices and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

To this end, TWF held its 2nd Annual Assembly and International Conference in Lagos on Wednesday, with the theme; “Materials Manufacturing Technologies, Managing Capacities in Africa ”

The event drew attendance of critical stakeholders, including Minister of State for the Ministry of Steel Development, His Excellency Uba Maigari Ahmadu.

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by TWF alongside PETAN (Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria) and OGTAN (Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria), brought together a diverse range of stakeholders – industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners – to forge a path towards a more skilled, innovative, and unified welding sector across the continent.

Ayo Adeniyi, Executive Director of TWF, traced the organization’s impressive journey. Starting with virtual sessions in its early stages, TWF rapidly gained momentum, culminating in the 1st regional symposium held in Uganda in 2022. This success story continued with the 1st assembly in Cairo and now the impactful 2nd assembly in Lagos. The upcoming 3rd assembly, scheduled for Addis Ababa in 2025, signifies TWF’s commitment to a truly pan-African approach.

A central theme of the conference was the critical role of skilled labor in propelling the African welding industry forward. Dr. Austen Timi Peters, Chairman of the TWF Conference Management Committee, emphasized the importance of developing welding skills to empower unemployed youths and enhance economic stability.

The conference highlighted success stories like TWF’s fully developed personnel certification scheme, a comprehensive program designed to address the industry’s skill gaps and ensure a highly qualified workforce that meets rigorous quality benchmarks.

Government Recognition, Industry Collaboration:

The conference witnessed a significant development – high-level representation from the Minister of State for the Ministry of Steel Development, His Excellency Uba Maigari Ahmadu.

The Minister highlighted that the Conference represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to promote excellence and innovation in the field of welding across Africa. It will enhance advanced welding technologies, foster collaboration, drive sustainable development, promote knowledge exchange, and disseminate best practices in the industry.

Ahmadu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the welding sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated,

He also highlighted the pivotal role of the Metallurgical Training Institute (NMTI) in Onitsha, an institution dedicated to equipping youths with the requisite skills and knowledge in welding and metallurgy.

He stated, “Through its innovative curriculum and hands-on learning approach, the institute is empowering youths with the practical skills and technical expertise needed to excel in the welding profession.”

Nicholas Odinuwe, Chairman of PETAN, emphasized the crucial role of material manufacturing technologies in driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across industries. Ibikunle Ogunbayo, Past President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), stressed the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies. This collaborative approach, he argued, is essential for developing indigenous welding solutions, exchanging best practices, and ensuring consistent quality standards across the continent.

The conference placed a strong emphasis on the urgent need to invest in critical areas like skills development, infrastructure, and research to unlock the full potential of the African welding sector.

The Organizers expressed optimism that partnerships and strategic planning, including standardization and unified certification across Africa, will drive sustainable development and empower African nations to effectively manage their welding industry capacity.

The success of the TWF Annual Assembly and Conference serves as a testament to the power of collaboration.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering a shared vision for a stronger African welding industry, TWF is paving the way for a future where skilled professionals, innovative solutions, and a robust infrastructure drive sustainable growth across the continent.

Sponsors & Patners

The success of the conference was also made possible through the collaborative efforts of esteemed Sponsors: Afrexim Bank, Dorman Long, Bank of Industry and Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). And partners: OGTAN, Scientific.Net, and cwbgroup. Their valuable contributions played a crucial role in ensuring the overall success of the event.