As Africa faces growing climate threats – from droughts and floods to rising temperatures – the continent’s infrastructure must become more resilient. Consulting engineering company Alpenglow Consulting says consulting firms are now critical actors in designing projects that not only withstand these challenges but also help communities adapt and thrive.

Innovative design, data-driven climate modelling and collaboration with financiers and governments are the means through which consulting firms are embedding climate resilience at every stage of infrastructure development, says Alpenglow Consulting consultant Mbamwabi Chilembo.

Infrastructure on the continent faces escalating climate risks that threaten its durability and performance. In the energy sector, extreme weather changes can damage power plants and disrupt supply if not planned for adequately. Transport networks are vulnerable to floods and heat stress, causing road washouts, rail buckling and airport runway damage.

Water infrastructure managers must contend with droughts, reduced rainfall and floods, impacting on supply reliability and flood control systems. Rapid urban development compounds risks by increasing exposure to heatwaves and stormwater flooding, owing to the increased amount of concrete surfaces, while straining drainage and sanitation systems.

Speaking exclusively to Engineering News, Chilembo says that, as such, consultants must now act as climate adaptation strategists: “Consultants play a critical role in converting climate data into resilient infrastructure designs that safeguard communities from future climate risks.”

He explains that one of Alpenglow Consulting’s key strengths is supporting clients in justifying critical infrastructure investments by demonstrating long-term operational resilience, cost efficiency, and regulatory alignment – grounded in real-world project experience and risk- informed decision-making.

Consultants also help to ensure compliance with evolving climate standards and prepare the documentation required by development and climate finance institutions when the need arises.

Projects are now designed using future climate scenarios, blending modern simulation tools with local climate knowledge for sustainable solutions.

“Alpenglow Consulting integrates climate resilience across all service areas, viewing it as a technical imperative and a moral obligation,” Chilembo adds.

Alpenglow Consulting notes that sustainability is embedded in its design philosophy.

“We are committed to minimising environmental impact while maximising long-term sustainability across all sectors. We prioritise energy-efficient systems, low-emission technologies and solutions that align with social and ecological needs,” he says.

Alpenglow Consulting promotes the use of cogeneration and trigeneration systems to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce waste. It cites a 5 MW cogeneration plant that it supports and which generates power by providing steam using exhaust heat from the engines for industrial applications, consequently helping to lower emissions.

It also encourages integrating renewable- energy sources, such as solar PV, battery storage and wind power, while adapting solutions to suit every project’s specific context. When natural gas is used as a transitional fuel, Alpenglow Consulting’s designs aim for optimal efficiency and include carbon mitigation measures such as heat recovery and/or prepare for future carbon capture technologies.

Elaborating on the critical role consulting firms play in embedding climate resilience, Chilembo also highlights how broader trends across Africa are shaping strong demand for consulting services.

He notes that the continent’s ongoing energy transition – from coal to renewables and decentralised systems – is driving a surge in projects involving solar, wind, gas, hydrogen and battery storage infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the African Continental Free Trade Area is accelerating investment in transport infrastructure, such as highways, rail, ports and urban mobility, creating multidisciplinary consulting opportunities in design, feasibility studies and implementation.

Rapid urbanisation further fuels demand for climate-resilient housing, water and sanitation systems, alongside smart city developments, including fibre networks and sensor technology.

Simultaneously, the boom in digital infrastructure – covering telecoms, data centres and mobile networks – calls for consultancies that can combine engineering and information and communication technology expertise. Rising climate finance is also enabling projects focused on adaptation, mitigation and sustainability compliance, encompassing electric mobility and green hydrogen initiatives.

Within this evolving landscape, Alpenglow Consulting is strategically positioned to lead across sectors by integrating engineering, financial and regulatory know-how, supported by a strong record of delivering bankable infrastructure projects.

Chilembo cites Africa’s expanding infrastructure needs as a key driver for sustained demand for integrated, technology-forward consultancies capable of delivering cross- sector, future-ready solutions, evidenced by initiatives such as South Africa’s Construction Book which recently announced over 250 projects valued at more than R238-billion.

“Alpenglow Consulting is equipped to lead in emerging sectors and drive meaningful infrastructure development across Africa. We are positioned as a future-ready consultancy,” he concludes.