By Emmanuel Ushie

Each year, March 4 marks World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, a UNESCO-recognized day celebrating the role of engineers in shaping societies and advancing human progress. It is a moment to reflect on how engineering drives innovation, economic growth, and resilience across the globe.

Among the professionals redefining what engineering means in the 21st century is BasitSanusi, a Nigerian-born engineer and infrastructure expert whose career bridges high-profile U.S. projects and policy contributions that resonate internationally. From the construction of the Cleveland Clinic’s landmark medical facilities to the renovation of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Sanusi’s work has touched healthcare, urban renewal, and economic competitiveness. At the same time, his thought leadership on infrastructure finance and public-private partnerships has contributed to frameworks that can help close Africa’s infrastructure gap.

In this special World Engineering Day interview, Sanusi reflects on his journey, the economic significance of engineering projects, and how Nigeria and Africa can leverage engineering to drive inclusive development in the decades ahead.

Basit, World Engineering Day celebrates how engineers shape sustainable development. How does this resonate with your own career journey?

Thank you. For me, engineering has always been more than technical design, it is about economic transformation. My career has taken me from the drawing board to financial modeling, and then into policy spaces where infrastructure decisions can influence millions of lives. Whether through hospitals, sports facilities, or transport corridors, the question I always ask is: what impact will this project have on people and economies?

That aligns strongly with the message of World Engineering Day: that engineers are not just builders of structures but architects of sustainable futures. My work has taught me that sustainability is not just environmental, it’s also financial, social, and institutional.

You’ve been part of significant projects in the U.S., including the Cleveland Clinic building and the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse renovation. What economic lessons do these projects carry?

The Cleveland Clinic building project was about much more than bricks and mortar. It created a hub for advanced medicine, attracted global talent, and contributed to Cleveland’s economy by reinforcing the city’s reputation as a healthcare destination. That shows how a hospital can be both a medical and economic engine.

The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse renovation, on the other hand, demonstrated the economic force of sports infrastructure. Beyond providing a modern arena for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it generated urban renewal, tourism growth, and commercial opportunities for surrounding businesses. For me, both projects highlighted the multiplier effect of engineering — one project can ripple through entire economies, creating jobs, attracting investment, and boosting civic pride.

How do you connect your U.S. experiences with Africa’s infrastructure needs?

Although I’ve been based in the U.S. for over a decade, I’ve always viewed my work through a global lens. Africa’s infrastructure deficit is one of the largest barriers to growth, but it also presents one of the greatest opportunities. Lessons from U.S. projects — like the integration of healthcare with urban planning, or how sports arenas can drive regeneration — can be adapted to African contexts.

For example, under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), transport and logistics corridors will be critical. The Midwest in the U.S. has shown how industrial corridors can support regional economies. Africa can draw on those lessons while tailoring them to local realities. My role has often been to act as a bridge between these contexts, translating best practices into workable African strategies.

Engineering is increasingly tied to sustainability goals. How do you see African engineers contributing to this global conversation?

African engineers are uniquely positioned to shape the future of sustainable infrastructure because the continent is still building so much of its foundational systems. Unlike mature economies, African nations can leapfrog by embedding sustainability, resilience, and digital readiness from the start.

For instance, renewable energy infrastructure can be prioritized instead of fossil-heavy grids. Smart transport systems can be integrated into urban design early on. The role of African engineers will be to champion solutions that reflect local needs while contributing to global sustainability targets.

Beyond technical expertise, you’ve also worked on public-private partnerships and infrastructure finance. How does this dimension add to your engineering identity?

It adds a layer of strategy. Engineering is not just about whether a bridge stands; it’s also about whether it can be financed, maintained, and made accessible to the communities who need it. My work with frameworks supported by institutions like the African Development Bank has focused on structuring projects that are financially viable and socially responsible.

That intersection between engineering and finance is critical. Without it, many African projects remain “plans on paper.” With it, we can attract investment while protecting public interest.

From your perspective, what role should engineering play in Nigeria’s economic future?

Nigeria’s economy cannot thrive without strong infrastructure. But beyond roads and power plants, we must recognize that engineering is central to every sector: healthcare, digital services, energy, and even agriculture.

For example, as Nigeria expands digital ID and financial inclusion programs, engineers will be needed to build secure platforms that inspire trust. As renewable energy adoption grows, engineers will design and maintain microgrids that power rural communities. If we treat engineering as an economic multiplier rather than a support service, Nigeria can unlock growth that is both inclusive and sustainable.

You’ve also been active in volunteerism, particularly mentoring youth in engineering. Why is this important to you?

Engineering can sometimes feel inaccessible to young people, especially in communities where opportunities are limited. Through mentorship and community programs, I’ve worked to demystify engineering, showing young people that it’s not just about equations and blueprints, it’s about solving real-world problems.

Volunteer work has also kept me grounded. It reminds me that infrastructure is not abstract policy but something that affects daily lives. Mentoring is about ensuring the next generation of Nigerian and African engineers are equipped not just with skills but with a sense of responsibility to their societies.

As we mark World Engineering Day, what message would you share with policymakers and young engineers in Africa?

To policymakers: invest in engineering capacity as much as you invest in projects. That means strengthening universities, research, and professional institutions. Without strong engineers, projects will either not materialize or will fail prematurely.

To young engineers: see yourselves as global actors. The challenges you face from urban congestion to renewable energy transitions are shared across the world. By participating in international networks, sharing knowledge, and bringing African innovations to global platforms, you can redefine how engineering contributes to humanity.

Conclusion

World Engineering Day is a reminder that behind every sustainable development goal is an engineer helping to make it real. Basit Sanusi’s career, spanning healthcare and sports facilities in the U.S. to advisory frameworks shaping Africa’s infrastructure futureexemplifies the transformative power of engineering across borders.

His work underscores that engineers are not just builders of projects but custodians of trust, economic multipliers, and visionaries of sustainable futures. As Nigeria and Africa look toward the next decade of growth, professionals like Sanusi highlight the indispensable role of engineering in unlocking prosperity, resilience, and global competitiveness.