A leading professional organization for project management, the Project Management Institute (PMI), has called on African leaders to empower young people and drive sustainable development on the continent. The managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, made the appeal during the PMI eighth annual conference, emphasizing the importance of involving youth in shaping their own future. With Africa’s youth population projected to reach 850 million by 2050, the potential of the continent’s young people cannot be ignored. Asamani highlighted the energy, creativity, and potential of African youth, stating that investments should be made in education, capacity building, and training in project management.
The conference focused on the rising leaders of Africa, particularly the youth, who hold the promise of transforming the continent and creating the ‘Africa We Want.’ As Africa’s youth population continues to grow rapidly, it is crucial to engage them successfully in all aspects of their professional growth and development. By giving young Africans a seat at the table, African leaders can harness their potential for sustainable development, including addressing pressing issues such as climate change.
During the conference, it was noted that the shortage of certified project managers in Africa is a significant concern with far-reaching implications for the region’s development. Many of Africa’s development initiatives, including Agenda 2063 and projects funded by institutions like the African Development Bank and the World Bank, depend on skilled project management professionals. To address this shortage, Asamani emphasized the need for partnerships with organizations and governments that are driving Africa’s growth and development.
Ezekiel Gachugu, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education in Kenya, also highlighted the importance of promoting professional involvement and best practices in project delivery. He emphasized that Kenya’s pursuit of excellence in project delivery is crucial to its ambition of shining on the global stage. By investing in capacity building and continuous professional development for project management practitioners, countries and organizations can ensure that they have a qualified pool of project managers to support infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and technological advancements.
The PMI Africa Conference Youth Edition, held at the University of Nairobi, provided a platform for young people to express their views and be actively engaged in shaping Africa’s future. As stakeholders in the continent’s development, involving young people in the strategy, ideation, and decision-making processes is essential. Young people are not just beneficiaries but have valuable insights and perspectives that can help ensure that development agendas reflect their needs and aspirations.
In conclusion, empowering African youth and involving them in sustainable development efforts is crucial for the continent’s future. By investing in their education, capacity building, and training in project management, African leaders can tap into the energy, creativity, and potential of young Africans to drive the transformation of the continent. It is through partnerships and collaboration that Africa’s youth can become effective change-makers and contribute to the socio-economic growth and sustainability of the continent.
