Project Management Institute (PMI), has revealed its 2024 ‘Most Influential Projects’ list with three African projects making the top 20 projects across industries and regions.
According to the statement released by PMI, these projects have achieved significant milestones in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the last 18 months and all address clear outcomes that drive project success beyond budget, scope, and schedule.
The full list of projects was revealed at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City recently.
Since introducing the SDGs in 2015 to address the world’s most urgent environmental, political, and economic challenges, millions of people, nonprofits, collectives, and companies have come together to generate robust, creative ideas about improving the world and creating progress, the statement stated.
Progress, however, has been slow, with only 17% of the SDG targets on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, according to The Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2024.
At the same time, PMI research just revealed that projects with some degree of social benefits are more likely to be rated a success.
The three standout projects that have been honoured from the Sub-Saharan Africa region are, Africa’s Largest Kitchen by Food4Education which addresses food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to school children across Kenya, directly contributing to the UN SDG of zero hunger.
The second project is the Life-changing Cash Transfers, a project by GiveDirectly, empowers vulnerable communities through direct cash transfers, enabling recipients to meet essential needs.
The third project is the Energy Subscription Program under the Beyond The Grid Fund for Africa is expanding access to affordable, renewable energy across underserved communities, advancing SDG goals related to clean energy and economic growth.
While speaking on the recent list, George Asamani, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI said; “This year’s Most Influential Projects demonstrate the tremendous potential of project management to not only meet strategic goals but also to drive meaningful social change.
“Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainable development, we are seeing real progress in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. PMI is proud to recognise and celebrate these efforts, as they embody the spirit of what project management can achieve for a better future,” he added.
