URL: http://www.ucbp-ethiopia.com/e253/index_eng.html

Capacity Development

The Government of Ethiopia has declared developing capacity one of its main objectives. It formalized its commitment in 2001, when the Ministry of Capacity Building (MoCB) was established. The efforts are particularly demonstrated in large projects such as the University Capacity Building Program (UCBP). The construction of 13 universities serves as vehicle for a sector wide approach to capacity development for construction in Ethiopia. UCBP uses experiences from the German construction sector as benchmarks.

UCBP is based on the principle that international competitiveness will only be achieved by approaching the construction sector at several levels at the same time. Therefore, the programs broad concept encompasses training individuals as well as upgrading the companies in which they work. It also includes addressing companies' operating environment.

capacity development for Ethiopia's construction sector

Capacity development is carried out through the entire program duration. It is specifically tailored to certain groups within the sector:

Construction Management Consultants are introduced to modern techniques of construction management systems. In Ethiopia, the job profile of CMC's is still nascent and UCBP is a strong supporter of this field.
Architects and Engineering Firms receive training on contract and project management systems, as well as the latest design software and Cost Efficient Design (CED) methods. They can easily apply these new methods to further design proposals for other clients.
Construction Companies receive training on contract and project management systems, as well as financial and construction equipment management. They will thereby maximize their international competitiveness.
Local and regional enterprises and cooperatives benefit from a special capacity development module based on the Competency based Economies through Formation of Enterprises (CEFE) method and are trained to become financially sustainable.

UCBP's capacity development endeavors support companies in the construction sector in reaching international standards in quality, safety, efficiency and modern technologies. In the first 18 months of the program, participating companies have had the opportunity to attend in an average of 50 training workshops, ranging from leadership development to human resource management, from procurement to time quality and cost effiency in project management. These workshops support company managers as they scrutinize all business processes. Although ISO certification is an important objective, the change process towards increasing competitiveness extends beyond ISO Standards.