17th African Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

The main theme of the 17^th ARCSMGE is “Innovation and Sustainability in Geotechnics for Developing Africa”. The theme originates from the fact that Africa as a whole suffers from a pronounced infrastructural deficit when compared to other developed countries and regions.

Therefore, both innovative and sustainable infrastructure is crucial for Africa’s economic integration. As such, the vision of improved geotechnics is a positive notion directed at the development of the continent.

The conference theme is broad and inclusive; presenting a range of opportunities to stakeholders from the entire geotechnical industry.

The 7^th African Young Geotechnical Engineers' Conference (AYGE) will take place on Sunday 6 October 2019, the day before the ARCSMGE. The AYGE conference provides an approachable audience within a vibrant environment where young presenters under the age of 35 are encouraged to exercise their presentation and technical writing skills on a continental platform. More information about the AYGE conference will be made available on the website shortly (www.arc2019.org).

Cape Town is considered as one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. It boasts a beautiful, modern and culturally diverse city located at the southern tip of Africa. Some of the popular tourist attractions include:

Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point Nature Reserve and Sand Beaches. During the conference, the guests can experience a city that is bubbling with creativity, colour, sounds and tastes.

The friendly people of South Africa are always ready to welcome you with great hospitality.

Please join us at the 17th ARCSMGE with your friends and colleagues. It promises to be a memorable and a productive conference. We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town – one of Africa’s greatest cities – in October 2019.

Denis Kalumba - Chairman of Organising Committee

Solly Phalanndwa - Chairman of SAICE Geotechnical Division

Trevor Green - Past Chairman of SAICE Geotechnical Division

Organizer - SAICE Geotechnical Division