Overview
About the webinar
As Africa continues to invest in critical infrastructure, the way projects are designed today will shape economic growth, resilience, and quality of life for decades to come. This webinar explores what sustainable infrastructure design truly means in African contexts, moving beyond theory to practical, real-world application.
The session will examine approaches to designing climate-resilient roads and cities, improving resource efficiency, and delivering long-term social and economic value through infrastructure. Drawing on experience from across the continent, industry experts will share insights on how sustainability can be embedded into planning, design, and delivery in ways that are both practical and impactful.
This webinar brings together professionals from across the infrastructure ecosystem to discuss how smarter, more sustainable design choices can help future-proof Africa’s infrastructure and support inclusive, long-term development.
About the panelists
Eng. Malani Padayachee-Saman
CEO of MPAMOT, South Africa
Eng. Malani is a professional civil engineer and the CEO of MPAMOT, South Africa’s first women-owned and led engineering and development consultancy. With over 30 years of experience in urban infrastructure and project management, she has led major public-sector projects for municipalities, Transnet, Eskom, and ACSA.
Malani serves on the FIDIC Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board, representing Africa, and is a strong advocate for sustainable, inclusive infrastructure and female leadership in the built environment.
Group Leader Technical Specialist Service (India, Middle East & Africa), Arup
Lanre Lawale is Group Leader for Technical Specialist Services Group 3, overseeing operations across India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA). With a strong background in technical strategy and leadership, Lanre drives growth initiatives, fosters cross-regional collaboration, and champions innovation in design and sustainability.
Known for building high-performing teams and strengthening client relationships, Lanre plays a pivotal role in aligning IMEA with global strategic vision, ensuring technical excellence and commercial success across diverse markets.
Vice Chancellor, University of Hebron, Malawi
Dr Effie Mpakati Gama, a ConstructAfrica Ambassador, is a construction management professional with an architectural background and a strong interest in promoting sustainable green construction practices. She has 35 years of construction industry and academic work experience in the government and private sectors of Malawi and the UK, respectively.
Dr. Effie also provides consulting services and is currently leading a project aimed at developing guidelines for certifying sustainable construction materials in Malawi. This initiative is being conducted under the Malawi Construction Industry Regulatory Authority and is funded by GIZ.