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The School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) hosted the 5th Annual Africa Facility Management (FM) International Conference 2025. Held under the theme “Innovating Facilities Management for Africa’s Transformation,” the conference reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the FM profession through research, knowledge exchange, and strengthened partnerships. Participants discussed a wide range of topics, including the intersection between Facility Management and smart, innovative solutions that are driving economic growth and unlocking new financing opportunities.

In her remarks, Dr. Josephine Malonza, the Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment, noted that Facilities Management is very critical profession in the built environment.

Dr. Josephine Malonza, the Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment, addressing conference participants

“It’s takes 1 year to design a building, 2 years to construct it, but FM remains relevant for the rest of a building lifespan,” she said.

Africa’s Facility Management market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2%. With the continent expected to become the world’s most urbanized region by 2030, the demand for FM services is likely to rise even further. This growth underscores the need for robust systems and structures to support FM practitioners and the expanding market across the continent.

On the sidelines of the conference, a delegation of Africa FM Association leaders was received by Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration. Ndikumana thanked the delegation for choosing Rwanda and the UR in particular to co-host this year’s conference. He also encouraged them to strengthen collaboration with UR on academic and research initiatives, especially by leveraging the University’s modern e-learning facilities and contributing through its online platforms.

Eng. Sherif Maged Khaled, Chair of Africa FM and his delegation met Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration

The delegation, in turn, commended UR for successfully hosting the conference and expressed appreciation for learning from Rwanda’s strengths, including its safety, security, cleanliness, anti-corruption culture, strategic education policies, and vision to become a regional education hub including in Facility Management.

The visiting leadership delegation included: Eng. Sherif Maged Khaled, Chair of Africa FM; Maria Morapedi, Vice Chair; Muhammad Balogun, Board Member; Batabile Sibaca, President of SAFMA; Tom Mitchell from the USA; Uzoma Anugo, Board Member of Botswana FM Association; Eng. Samuel Opare, President of IFMA Ghana; Prof. Hikmot Koleoso from the University of Lagos; and Michael Mafa from Botswana.

Sections of participants during the conference

The Africa FM Association is the leading network and voice for Facility Management professionals on the continent, dedicated to accelerating FM advancement through research and knowledge sharing. During the conference, the Association extended an invitation to the University of Rwanda to participate in the 2026 conference, which will be hosted in Angola.

Conference participants group photo