What's Happening?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) held its 2025 PMI Awards ceremony at the PMI Global Summit in Phoenix, Arizona, recognizing outstanding contributions in project management. The awards highlighted
the growing influence of Sub-Saharan Africa in the field, with four awardees from Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa. Marco Romero from Angola received the PMI Rising Leader Award for his work in advancing Angola's space ecosystem and inspiring youth through STEM education. The MTN Ghana Project Management Office was named Africa PMO of the Year for its strategic alignment and executional excellence. Stéphanie-Laure Zoro from Côte d’Ivoire was honored with the PMI Chapter Leadership Impact Award for her mentorship and collaboration efforts. South Africa's Greenpoint Educational Dome received an honorable mention for promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of African project management professionals at the PMI Awards underscores the continent's growing role in global project management. These awards highlight the potential for African nations to drive innovation and transformation across industries. The achievements of the awardees demonstrate the capacity for African professionals to deliver world-class results, contributing to national development and enterprise growth. The demand for project management professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to surge, with PMI's Global Project Management Talent Gap 2025 report predicting a need for 2.1 million professionals by 2035. This growth presents opportunities for economic development and youth empowerment across the region.
What's Next?
The recognition at the PMI Awards is likely to inspire further investment in project management education and training in Africa. As demand for project management professionals increases, educational institutions and organizations may expand their offerings to meet this need. The awards could also encourage collaboration between African nations and international partners to leverage project management expertise for sustainable development. Additionally, the spotlight on African project management may attract global attention and investment, fostering further growth and innovation in the region.
Beyond the Headlines
The PMI Awards highlight the importance of project management as a career path in Africa, offering opportunities for youth empowerment and economic development. The focus on sustainability and innovation in the award-winning projects reflects a broader trend towards environmentally conscious and socially impactful initiatives. As African project professionals continue to deliver world-class results, they may influence global standards and practices, contributing to a more interconnected and collaborative project management community.
