Ghanaian Surveyor Stephen Djaba Elected Vice President of International Federation of Surveyors

Ghanaian Licensed Surveyor Stephen Djaba has achieved a historic milestone for the nation's geospatial sector after being elected as Vice President-Elect of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). The election took place during the FIG Congress 2026 held in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a significant moment of recognition for both Ghana and the broader African surveying community. This elevation to one of the highest offices in the global surveying profession underscores the growing influence of West African expertise in international land governance and geospatial technology.

With a career spanning over three decades, Djaba's election is the culmination of long-term dedication to the profession. He has been an active participant in FIG activities since 1994, holding various leadership roles and championing the advancement of surveying standards. A key highlight of his recent contributions was his instrumental role in organizing the FIG Working Week 2024 in Accra, an event that successfully showcased Ghana’s capacity to host high-level international technical conferences and fostered regional collaboration in geospatial practices.

Beyond administrative duties, Djaba is widely recognized for his advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and the professional development of the next generation. Throughout his career, he has prioritized mentorship for young surveyors, encouraging them to embrace modern technologies and global best practices. His vision for the FIG leadership role involves advancing critical global priorities, including digital land administration and the integration of geospatial data into sustainable development goals.

The election of a Ghanaian professional to this global executive level reinforces the country's standing as a leader in land management and surveying in Africa. By securing this position, Djaba is poised to influence global policy and technical standards that will impact how land is surveyed and managed across the world. His success serves as an inspiration to professionals across the continent, highlighting the potential for African surveyors to shape the future of global geospatial science and digital transformation in land administration.