Join the Student Challenge
at IFMA Global Africa 2026
Are you ready to help shape the future of Facility Management in Africa?
Facility Management across Africa is growing fast. As cities expand, infrastructure develops, and expectations rise, FM professionals are being asked to deliver smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient services, often with limited resources and evolving systems.
That is exactly where the next generation comes in. As part of IFMA Global Africa 2026, taking place on 12-13 August in Accra, Ghana, we are inviting up to 20 motivated FM students to take part in a special Student Challenge. This is your opportunity to work on real-world FM challenges, connect with industry professionals, and contribute to the future of the profession across Africa.
This year’s challenge is connected to the conference theme:
Scaling Up: Technology, Talent, and Transformation in Facility Management for Developing Markets
The central question:
How can FM teams scale up in a way that is
practical, inclusive, and sustainable?
What is the Student Challenge?
Participants will assume the role of an FM team responsible for managing a single facility in Accra, such as an office building, hospital, school, or government building.
Your team will develop a 3–5 year Scaling Up Plan that responds to real challenges many FM teams face today. These may include a heavy reliance on manual and paper-based processes, reactive maintenance practices, limited access to advanced technologies, skills gaps across the workforce, and growing expectations from clients, users, and regulators.
The plan should show how the FM team can gradually improve its operations over time, moving towards more efficient, sustainable, and service-oriented facility management. This includes identifying practical steps to improve processes, introduce appropriate technologies, strengthen team capabilities, enhance maintenance planning, and raise the overall quality of service delivery within the facility.
You will choose one of four challenge scenarios:
1. From Reactive to Planned Maintenance
Identify the risks of remaining reactive, propose simple systems and processes to introduce and outline a transition toward planned and preventive maintenance.
2. Choosing the Right Technology
Determine appropriate and affordable technologies, define a minimum viable digital toolkit and avoid investment in systems that cannot be maintained or supported.
3. Building Talent and Skills
Identify critical skills for the future of FM, propose practical and scalable upskilling approaches and explore the role of partnerships (e.g., IFMA, training providers).
4. Moving to Data Maturity
Identify priority data to collect, transition from paper-based to simple digital tracking and demonstrate how data can support decision-making without adding complexity.
What will you create?
Selected students will work on two key deliverables:
1-minute video:
A short video presenting your chosen scenario, the current challenges, and your vision for improvement.
5-minute pitch presentation:
A clear and practical pitch explaining the context, key challenges, proposed solutions, and how your plan can be implemented in phases over time.
Here’s what you get:
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Free entry to the full conference program
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Accommodation provided. Travel costs not covered.
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The opportunity to work on a real-world FM challenge
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Access to student-focused sessions and networking with FM leaders
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Networking with FM professionals, experts, and peers
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Practical experience in presenting ideas and solutions
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A chance to contribute to the development of FM in Africa
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Real exposure to future career opportunities
How to apply?
Just send us: a 1 minute motivation video and a proof of enrollment in a facility management–related course or internship.
Applications will be reviewed based on your motivation, interest in FM, relevant background, potential to contribute to the profession, and commitment to post-event engagement.
Email your application to: ifmaglobalafrica@ifma.org. before the deadline Saturday 20 June 2026. You’ll hear back by 3 July 2026!
Who can apply?
We are looking for motivated students who are passionate about Facility Management and excited to contribute to the profession’s future. The Student Challenge is open to students who are enrolled in FM-related academic programs or internships. Up to 20 students will be selected:
10 students from Ghana + 10 students from other African countries.
Ready to take your first big step into the FM world?
The IFMA Global Africa 2026 Student Challenge is your chance to learn, connect, contribute,
and show how the next generation can help scale up Facility Management across Africa.
The Student Challenge does not end when the conference ends...
Selected students are expected to stay engaged with IFMA and the wider FM community after the event. This may include:
Contributing to an article for FMJ Magazine, Engaging in IFMA programs and initiatives, Acting as ambassadors for the FM profession, Continuing to develop professional skills through scholarships, volunteering, or other opportunities!
Apply now and join us in Accra!
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