Consulting Services

Since our establishment, the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) has remained dedicated to providing technical assistance and consulting services related to the reconstruction and infrastructure development of Afghanistan. While our members often volunteer their expertise, we have consistently sought and executed opportunities to serve as technical advisors to the Afghan government and international development organizations.

Early Advisory Initiatives and Technical Taskforces

In our early years, we aimed to provide technical support within the boundaries of our members’ limitations, as many of our expatriate engineers were balancing full-time careers abroad. Despite these challenges, we participated in technical activities ranging from project design to construction project management. For example, in 2002, we assigned a team to visit Afghanistan on a fact-finding mission to explore our participation in reconstruction. Following this site visit, our members prepared a technical report detailing recommendations for the rehabilitation of the Helmand Valley irrigation network and the Kajaki Dam.

We have also been directly involved in critical infrastructure evaluations, such as the Salang Tunnel. We formed a special taskforce that worked with the Ministry of Public Works to prepare design plans and specifications for the emergency repair of the tunnel, basing our work on site condition surveys provided by ministry staff. Furthermore, we provided expert review comments and suggestions regarding the feasibility studies for future Salang alternative routes.

Enhancing Private Sector Consulting Capacity

A significant part of our history involves building the consulting capacity of the Afghan engineering community itself. In 2007, we partnered with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to execute a capacity-building contract. The primary objective of this program, which was hosted at Kabul University, was to enhance and establish private sector engineering consulting capabilities across all engineering disciplines in Afghanistan. Through this initiative, our professional trainers led workshops that successfully trained dozens of Afghan engineers to better operate in the private sector.

Memoranda of Understanding and Government Collaboration

We have historically sought consultation opportunities to assist Afghan government entities with their professional and research needs. To formalize these consulting and advisory roles, we pursued Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with numerous national ministries and authorities. Our strategic plan emphasized identifying project sectors and funding opportunities to deliver soft engineering services to the government of Afghanistan, international donors, and the private sector.

Through these cooperative frameworks, we have engaged with the following entities to offer our advisory and consulting capabilities:

• Ministry of Urban Development and Land (MUDL): We discussed providing consultation on the conceptualization of international university designs, reviewing plans for the Kabul New City, and developing building codes. In 2020, at the urgent request of MUDL, we formed a Peer Review Committee that reviewed over 300 pages of newly drafted building codes and housing standards, submitting our professional findings and recommendations in less than ten days.
• National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA): We formulated agreements to consult on pilot projects for solar-powered water lifting stations, review irrigation design manuals, evaluate strategic plans, and assist in developing the Afghanistan Water Supply code.
• Afghanistan National Standardization Authority (ANSA): We committed to collaborating on the development, review, and updating of compulsory and non-enforceable engineering codes and standards.
• Kabul Municipality: We engaged in high-level discussions with the Kabul Mayor to become an advisor and consultant to the municipality, specifically addressing technical issues and urban challenges.

Global Partnerships

Our efforts to deliver consulting services have also extended to international partnerships. In 2021, we signed a Joint Venture Agreement with the Planate Management Group, a firm that provides program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Under this agreement, we collaborate to identify and vet qualified Afghan engineers globally to serve as a professional workforce supporting Planate’s infrastructure and technical consulting projects.