How could the PMI's report on professional standards affect sub-Saharan Africa?
Sub-Saharan Africa faces critical shortage of certified project professionals The Project Management Institute (PMI) reported that while 2.5 million people work in project management across sub-Saharan Africa, only about 25,000 are certified. PMI projects that sub-Saharan Africa will require between 4.1 million and 4.6 million project professionals by 2035 to meet growing demand in sectors like infrastructure and technology.
- Effect
- Strong negative
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Over the long term
- The story
- Still developing
How it reaches sub-Saharan Africa
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The Project Management Institute held an awards ceremony in Nairobi. PMI reported that only two percent of project managers in sub-Saharan Africa are registered. PMI Managing Director George Asamani stated that the region requires between 79,000 and 102,000 additional project management professionals by 2035 to meet growing demand. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology was among the institutions honored for implementing projects with significant impact.
The full event1independent outlet -
The Project Management Institute (PMI) reported that of the 2.5 million people working in project management across sub-Saharan Africa, only about 25,000 are certified. This shortage is projected to grow, as PMI estimates the region will require between 4.1 million and 4.6 million project professionals by 2035.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- standardmedia.co.ke Yesterday
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area of the continent of Africa that lies south of the Sahara Desert
Everything about sub-Saharan Africa
Tap any step to see the evidence behind it.
The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Of 2.5 million people working in project management across Sub-Saharan Africa, only about 25,000 are certified.standardmedia.co.ke
- PMI projects Sub-Saharan Africa will require between 4.1 million and 4.6 million project professionals by 2035.standardmedia.co.ke
- The anticipated growth is driven by expanding opportunities in infrastructure, construction, technology, manufacturing and other sectors.standardmedia.co.ke
Why it matters
The talent gap represents a major structural constraint on economic development across sub-Saharan Africa. Without a sufficient supply of certified project professionals, the region's ability to translate strategic ambitions into tangible results—particularly in growing sectors like infrastructure and technology—is severely limited, potentially leading to costly project failures.
This challenge is part of a broader regional need for capacity building. PMI noted that Kenya’s project professional workforce alone needs to grow from about 150,000 to between 223,000 and 247,000 over the next decade, demonstrating that the shortage is a widespread, continent-level issue requiring sustained investment in skills development.
What we don't know yet
- What specific governmental or private sector initiatives will be implemented to address the certified professional shortage?
- How will the demand for project professionals in infrastructure and technology sectors be met in the coming years?
What would change this answer
Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
Reporting
- standardmedia.co.keYesterday
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