THE Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) has intensified its call for mandatory registration of all engineers practicing in the country, warning that unregistered individuals risk disciplinary action and could be operating illegally under national law.

At a World Engineering Day event held at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Dr. Wilson Banda, ZIE’s Membership, Services and Training Officer, stressed the importance of registration for all engineering professionals, including those in academia and foreign nationals, to maintain high professional standards throughout the sector.

“In our attempt to regulate engineering practices, we register all engineering professionals,” Dr. Banda stated.

“Whether someone is local or foreign, they must pass through us and be registered with ZIE in order to practice.”

ZIE’s policy categorises engineers into three main groups: those with university degrees and at least three years of post-graduate experience; technologists holding higher national diplomas and three years of professional practice; and technicians trained at polytechnics and technical institutes.

Banda explained that these categories are “interwoven,” indicating that they often take on overlapping roles in engineering projects, despite having different qualifications and responsibilities.

As the official engineering regulatory authority in the country, ZIE has always required professional registration.

However, they are now stepping up their efforts to ensure compliance, particularly due to concerns that unregistered individuals might be providing subpar work or teaching outdated practices in academic settings.

“Even those who are teaching engineering students must be registered with us,” Banda remarked.

“Otherwise, there is a risk they might teach content that is not aligned with national standards.”

ZIE officials argue that professional registration is essential for safeguarding public safety, encouraging accountability, and ensuring that engineers adhere to ethical and technical standards.

This registration also opens the door for professionals to access ongoing development opportunities and gain recognition under national laws that govern engineering practices.

In a bid to promote inclusivity and support professional growth, ZIE is teaming up with Kunthom Media Solutions — publishers of ZiMining — to host the very first Women in Engineering Conference and Awards on June 23, 2025.
This special event is exclusively for registered women engineers in Zimbabwe, and it aims to celebrate outstanding achievements, encourage mentorship, and highlight the vital role women play in shaping the country’s engineering sector.

ZIE emphasises that initiatives like this highlight the increasing significance of professional registration, not just as a legal necessity but also as a crucial stepping stone to leadership and greater visibility within the industry.

Operating without proper registration not only goes against ZIE regulations but could also infringe upon the provisions of the Engineering Council Act, which gives ZIE the authority to oversee licensing and discipline within the profession.

Although ZIE didn’t outline specific penalties during the event, legal experts suggest that failing to comply could result in disqualification from significant contracts, damage to one’s reputation, or even legal action.

The push for registration comes as Zimbabwe expands its infrastructure portfolio, focusing on energy, mining, water, and transport projects. With the demand for engineering on the rise, ZIE warns that unregulated practices could jeopardise both public safety and economic performance.

The call for mandatory registration is in line with international best practices, where professional engineering bodies in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and the United Kingdom also require certification and registration to practice.

While ZIE has not yet published detailed figures on the number of unregistered engineers in Zimbabwe, Banda highlighted that non-compliance is a pressing issue, especially in rapidly growing sectors like mining and construction.

For more information or to begin the registration process, engineers can visit: www.zie.org.zw.