Chemical Engineering & the Challenge of Industrialization of Africa

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & THE CHALLENGE OF INDUSTRIALIZATION OF AFRICA

Dr. N. John ERINNE

          Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, Lagos, Nigeria.

          ceo@matrixpetrochem.com

Abstract

Most of the African continent is today faced with the dilemma of massive unemployment and excessive dependence on imports, even in the face of abundant primary materials. This paper explores the prospects for deploying Chemical Engineering skills as a tool for spearheading the industrialization of the continent and resolving this dilemma. It also proposes arrangements and structures for strengthening the profession and practice of Chemical Engineering in Africa, in order to position it to play the anticipated role and achieve its potentials.

Keywords:  Africa, Chemical Engineering, industrialization.