Project Management Gap Threatens $360bn Africa’s Infrastructure Drive — Report

Sub-Saharan Africa’s ambitious infrastructure expansion is under threat, as a new report reveals a looming 57 per cent talent gap among construction project professionals across the region.

A report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) noted that while Africa is witnessing unprecedented investment in infrastructure, the shortage of skilled professionals could undermine project delivery and economic gains.

At the centre of the continent’s infrastructure drive is the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a long-term initiative aimed at closing infrastructure deficits by 2040 through over 400 projects spanning energy, transport, ICT, and water systems, with commitments exceeding $360 billion.

PMI stated that demand for construction project professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow from about 260,000 in 2025 to over 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 skilled workers within the period.

The report described the situation as part of a broader global trend, noting that about 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be required worldwide by 2035 to meet rising infrastructure demands.

While highlighting the implications, PMI said the construction sector remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation, but is also one of the most complex and inefficient industries, with about 10 per cent of global project investment lost annually due to poor performance.

Managing Director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, said, “Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions. From transport corridors and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare, and digital connectivity, projects are the vehicles through which we build our future.”

He, however, warned that inadequate project management capacity could derail progress, adding, “Without the right project management capabilities, we risk delays, cost overruns, rework, and, ultimately, lost value.”

The report further noted that rapid urbanisation, population growth, and regional trade integration are accelerating infrastructure investments across the region, with countries such as Ethiopia recording some of the fastest growth in demand for construction professionals globally.

It identified poor coordination among stakeholders, including governments, contractors, financiers and regulators, as a major challenge, often leading to inefficiencies, duplication and costly project delays.

Similarly, Asamani emphasised the broader impact of project failures, stating, “Every bridge, hospital, or power plant carries public expectations. When projects go wrong, the impact is felt not just financially, but socially and politically.”

The report also highlighted digitalisation as a key solution, pointing to technologies such as Building Information Modelling, artificial intelligence and digital twins as tools to improve efficiency, transparency and project outcomes.

Hence, closing the construction talent gap will require more than accelerated recruitment as it demands a deliberate strategy to retain, develop, and elevate project professionals over the long term.

The PMI’s research underscores that improving working conditions, investing consistently in professional development, and creating structured career pathways for emerging and mid-career professionals are essential to building a resilient talent pipeline.

While specialised training and certifications, such as Construction Professional (PMI-CP), are helping equip professionals with the skills required to manage the growing complexity of modern infrastructure projects, alongside thought leadership and professional networks that enable practitioners to continuously strengthen their capabilities.

“If we want infrastructure to be a true engine of GDP growth, we must professionalise the way we deliver it. We cannot afford to treat training as a cost. It is an investment in national competitiveness,” Asamani said.