With Africa’s industrial sector facing unprecedented challenges from ageing infrastructure and growing demand, the inaugural One Eighty Root Cause Analysis Africa Conference arrives at a critical moment. Set to take place from 11 to 14 March at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, this landmark event brings together leading experts to address the significant economic impact of preventable engineering failures across the continent.
Recent high-profile engineering failures highlight the urgent need for advanced forensic engineering capabilities within Africa – capabilities that this conference aims to develop through knowledge sharing and collaboration, focusing on root cause failure analysis (RCFA). This encompasses sophisticated investigative techniques that prevent catastrophic failures in critical infrastructure and industrial facilities while supporting economic growth across Africa, addressing African engineering challenges with contextually relevant solutions.
The timing is crucial as African nations expand their manufacturing capabilities while simultaneously managing existing infrastructure. Diverse professionals from the engineering, legal, insurance and asset-management sectors will come together to discuss and share integrated approaches to material failures that cost African economies millions annually. For the first time, African engineers, legal professionals and insurance specialists will have access to cutting-edge methodologies that have transformed industrial reliability globally.
A comprehensive programme awaits attendees, including:
- Practical workshops on breakthrough technologies such as Laser Welding & Cleaning
- The Zeiss Microscopy Workshop, revealing advanced imaging techniques
- Two days of expert-led discussions and real-world case studies
- Networking opportunities culminating in a prestigious gala dinner
Industry professionals will gain invaluable insights from esteemed speakers, including Dr Robert Ochola, a leading materials engineering expert, and Eben Snyman, a renowned legal specialist in construction and engineering. Additional panellists include specialists from the marine, legal and engineering sectors, with notable representation from global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, Bureau Veritas, a French company that provides testing, inspection and certification services, and South African engineering firm Denith Engineering.
Registration options include:
General admission: R17 500 (ex VAT) – includes access to all workshops and the gala dinner
Students: R9 500 (ex VAT) – excludes the gala dinner
Workshops only: R3 500 (ex VAT)
Gala dinner: R850 (ex VAT)
To register or for more information, please visit Our Website or contact frontdesk@one-eighty-degrees.com | +27 21 447 5258.
Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the future of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering in Africa.
Author: Lariska Hansen



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Hans Karlsen grew a start-up from zero to $1.6 million revenues in first two years of operation. Over and above being a successful startup founder, Karlsen is a natural leader, enabler, engineer and negotiator with over 25 years of industry experience in a variety of high technology sectors. Karlsen has served as a CEO, managing director, board member, senior advisor and finance director (CFO). He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” with the drive, persistence, passion and ability to identify and pursue high-value opportunities.