Kenya and other African emerging markets need to address the current manpower shortage in project management if they are to achieve 2030 goals.
Project Management Institute says Africa stands at the crossroads of opportunity, with its huge pipeline projects which calls for an industrial revolution.
According to the PMI Talent Gap Report, an increase in the number of jobs requiring project management skills is particularly becoming essential in developing and emerging countries.
PMI, managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa George Asamani, who was speaking during a webinar to mark Africa Industrialisation Day, said that among other issues, the shortage of talent and skills is still holding back the region in realising its development goals.
"Just as we invest in factories and infrastructure, we must also invest in human capital and capacity building for a strong and sustainable economy," said Asamani.
According to the World Bank Human Capital Index, many African countries are among those with the lowest levels of skill development.
He reiterated the need for more certified project managers in Africa and proffered solutions to bridge this gap. On average, only 3,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa, get project management certifications.
The numbers in North America and China stand at 30,000 and 100,000, respectively. It is evident that Africa has a huge skill deficit."
In Sub-Saharan Africa, annual job openings are estimated to be shy of 87,000 between 2019-2030.
“Therefore, countries in the region must work towards addressing the shortage of skilled project managers and unlocking the continent's full industrial potential through a strategic focus on capacity building,” added Asamani.
Project Management in the context of industrial development, involves overseeing large-scale initiatives that demand meticulous planning, execution, and adaptability.
The sub Saharan head says the trick will be to develop skills to spark and sustain industrialisation efforts which must bridge the persistent gap between the demand for project management skills and available talent.
The continent’s average growth over the past two decades has been a steady 4.5 and five per cent. Before the pandemic, six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies were in Africa.
When the recession induced by Covid-19 hit the developed economies, shrinking them by 5.5 per cent, Africa remained more resilient, shrinking by just two per cent.
Despite these economic conundrums, PMI’s Job Trends Report 2023 notes that the construction, energy, and information technology sectors are well placed to continue playing a key role in the sub-Saharan economy as job creators.
