George Asamani, the Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute (PMI), stated this in a paper entitled ‘Reimagining Higher Education in Nigeria”.

Asamani said that “By some estimates, the pandemic accelerated digital adoption by five years. This “digitalisation at scale and velocity” results in massive skill shifts. Data from Gartner TalentNeuron shows an outsized number of techies being hired outside of IT. That trend is only likely to accelerate further as organisations demand digital skills far beyond the IT function and deep into other areas of the business.”

According to him, Higher or tertiary education, like all sectors, is fair game for disruption.

We saw a glimpse in the pandemic, where classes were held online, and courseware unbundled from college staples like libraries and cafeterias was delivered directly to devices. Overnight, technology automated the traditional lecture, and logic supports the argument that anything that can be automated will be disrupted. As memories of the tumultuous time fade two years on, remote learning is everything, everywhere, all at once. “

– Asamani

Nigerian tertiary institutions have played a key role in framing national consciousness and identity. They have also played a pivotal role in advancing the economy by delivering skills that saw the country and companies gain dominance on the continent.

For decades, they met the demands of the era, but their agility has now come under deep scrutiny at a time when profound change is sweeping through society.

The PMI boss further stated that the student loan bill passed at the end of last year in Nigeria has divided opinion, with concerns that the lack of employment opportunities could leave students debt-ridden like in the U.S. Collective student debt in the US has risen to over $1.7 trillion, surpassing auto loans and credit card debt.

Therefore, universities remain the pinnacle of academic achievement, but alternatives are fast emerging in credentialing and certifications, the PMI MD said.

There is a growing chorus of voices that want universities to accelerate the process of updating their curriculum. Leadership skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and tech savviness are emerging as par for the course, but universities have been apathetic toward them.

In a landscape where a virus or a war can fundamentally alter the course of your business, executives are sceptical that universities can deliver the right people with 21st-century skills for the jobs of tomorrow. 

“This demand has manifested itself in the fast-growing citizen developer movement. A citizen developer is a non-techie that can create application capabilities without formal software programming or coding experience. According to Gartner, citizen developers at large enterprises will outnumber professional software developers by a factor of 4:1 this year. Citizen development is a micro-credential that anyone can acquire in 6-8 hours and requires no formal educational qualifications”, he added.

Another big challenge credentials and certifications address is job readiness. According to the African Center for Economic Transformation, almost 50% of African university graduates do not get jobs.

Economists refer to this as structural unemployment, unemployment caused by a mismatch of skills workers can offer versus the skills required by industry.

While the number of graduates keeps rising, over 300,000 annually in Nigeria, there is a consensus amongst employers that university qualifications translate poorly in the new world of work. Amongst those employed, a large portion end in careers not aligned with their education.

– PMI

Credentials and certifications are entering the mainstream because they meet the genuine needs of the industry. Moreover, they offer a more accessible, affordable, and accelerated way to demonstrate workforce readiness.

They also provide opportunities to retool, and recharge resumes to enter other sectors as the skills are transferable, such as project management skills.

Moreover, with certifications like the PMP, one can earn 16% more than a non-PMP certified project manager, according to the ‘Earning Power PM Salary Survey’ by non-profit PMI.

Furthermore, he stated that “Far-reaching changes in the global economy, spurred by Covid-19 and climate concerns, are transforming the future of work. While universities do their best to deliver talent, they will likely play catch up for the foreseeable future rather than set the pace. To close the talent gaps, universities must join the revolution by engaging with industry, embedding in-demand skills in curricula, and cultivating learnability among students.

Kirill Pyshkin, Senior Portfolio Manager at Credit Suisse, said that “In the future, 2020 will likely be regarded as the pivotal point at which the traditional education system began to undergo extensive disruption. This is education’s Netflix moment.”

The post PMI urges Accelerated Digital Adoption by Tertiary Institutions appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

With over $360 billion committed, PIDA represents not just a pipeline of projects, but a blueprint to unlock regional integration, industrialisation, and long-term economic growth across Africa.

This unprecedented scale of ambition, however, places delivery capability under the microscope. As governments accelerate infrastructure investment, new research from Project Management Institute (PMI) warns that the region faces a 57% talent gap in construction project professionals by 2035, one of the highest growth rates globally.

Demand for construction project professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise from about 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 professionals.

The challenge is part of a broader global trend, with PMI estimating that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be needed worldwide by 2035 to meet growing infrastructure demand.

The report underscores a defining paradox in the region’s growth story: construction is one of the most powerful contributors to GDP expansion and job creation, yet it remains one of the most complex and waste-prone sectors of the economy.

PMI data shows that approximately 10% of global project investment is lost annually due to poor performance.

In a region deploying hundreds of billions of dollars into infrastructure, that inefficiency translates into billions in unrealised value.

“Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions,” says George Asamani, managing director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “From transport corridors and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare, and digital connectivity, projects are the vehicles through which we build our future. But without the right project management capabilities, we risk delays, cost overruns, rework, and, ultimately, lost value.”

That urgency is underscored by the pace of activity on the ground. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, large-scale infrastructure investment is accelerating, driven by demographic growth, urban expansion, and regional trade integration.

PMI’s research identifies the region as having the highest percentage growth in demand for construction project professionals globally.

Countries such as Ethiopia are leading this surge, with projected annual demand growth rates of 7.8%, among the highest worldwide.

Construction projects are inherently complex, involving one of the largest stakeholder mixes of any industry, including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, communities, environmental bodies, and international partners, among others.

Misalignment among these groups can lead to inefficiencies, duplication, and costly rework. The report highlights that inadequate communication and collaboration remain persistent challenges, often resulting in financial waste and subpar outcomes.

In an industry where design and scope changes are common, poor coordination between on-site and off-site teams can quickly escalate into delays and budget overruns.

“Construction is highly visible and deeply scrutinised,” Asamani adds. “Every bridge, hospital, or power plant carries public expectations. When projects go wrong, the impact is felt not just financially, but socially and politically. That is why professional project management is not a luxury, it is what safeguards value, protects public funds and ensures infrastructure delivers its intended impact.”

While construction continues to fuel GDP growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, it has historically lagged behind other industries in productivity and technology adoption.

PMI’s research highlights digitalisation, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and artificial intelligence, as critical levers to unlock efficiency, improve transparency, and reduce costly rework and waste.

Employers report shortages in core project management competencies such as scheduling, planning, and resource optimisation, alongside essential power skills including communication, collaborative leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

At the same time, infrastructure financing is increasingly tied to ESG standards, carbon management, and responsible procurement, creating demand for project leaders who can integrate sustainability into delivery from day one.

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

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.

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 concludes.

The post Africa Faces 57% Shortfall in Construction Talent by 2035 – PMI Report appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

PMI’s participation at the event reflects its focus on connecting with a diverse audience critical to Africa’s technological growth.

Effective project management is critical to ensuring success as digital transformation reshapes industries across the continent.

PMI’s certifications, like the Project Management Professional (PMP), are globally recognised as the gold standard for project leaders, equipping them with the tools and methodologies needed to drive innovation and deliver results.

The need for structured project execution, stakeholder management, and strategic planning is growing rapidly, especially as organisations navigate complex technological shifts.

PMI helps address these challenges by fostering a workforce capable of managing projects in an agile, cost-effective, and scalable manner.

Digital transformation initiatives require a combination of strategic oversight and precise execution, making certified professionals uniquely equipped to lead in this space.

“Technological innovation is accelerating across Africa, creating both opportunities and challenges. At PMI, we are dedicated to empowering the tech ecosystem with the skills and certifications to manage this complexity, deliver successful projects, and shape a brighter future,” said George Asamani, managing director, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI.

At the event, PMI will showcase its globally recognised certifications, such as the PMP, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), as well as its dynamic Membership benefits and PMI Infinity 2.0, an AI-powered project management coach designed to deepen expertise, master complex topics, and elevate execution to drive project success.

Powered by GPT-4o (omni), PMI Infinity 2.0 is optimised for quicker and more accurate results with an expanded knowledge base from firms like Cognilytica, Green Project Management & Centre for Creative Leadership.

With new document generation capabilities and custom templates, PMI Infinity users can benefit from enhanced efficiency, productivity, and optimised workflows. Users can now input project details to create and refine essential documents for project-based work, such as project charter documents.

Studies show certified project managers deliver projects more successfully, improving productivity and reducing costly delays.

According to the PMI’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, project managers with PMP certification earn higher median salaries than those without PMP certification, 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed.

PMP-certified project professionals in Nigeria demonstrated an even greater lift, reporting an increase of 60% in median salary compared to their non-certified peers.

PMI membership further enhances this advantage by providing unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Members gain access to global thought leadership, advanced tools, and exclusive insights to tackle the complexities of the digital age.

With mentorship opportunities, networking events, and a supportive global community, PMI membership empowers tech professionals to transform challenges into opportunities and advance their careers.

“Project professionals turn to PMI for cutting-edge resources and methodologies to drive transformation in their careers, organisations, and industries. Through our recent partnership with Agile Alliance and  Cognilytica’s acquisition we are expanding access to Agile resources while pioneering the integration of AI into project management. These advancements will empower professionals to lead confidently and navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation on a global scale,” adds Asamani.

Attendees are invited to visit PMI’s booth at the Tech Revolution Africa, Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on January 31st and February 1st, 2025, to explore certification programmes, experience PMI Infinity, and connect with industry leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.

“This strategic partnership between PMI and Tech Revolution Africa further strengthens the vibrant tech ecosystem, expanding the frontiers for more project professionals amongst innovators and the brightest talents you can find in Africa,” said David Ogebe, co-founder of Tech Revolution Africa.

The post PMI Drives Digital Transformation at Tech Revolution Africa 2025 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Asamani takes over from Ashwini Bakshi, who leaves the company having steered the region during the pandemic. 

Asamani, previously the Business Development Lead for Africa is highly accomplished with a proven track record of growth.

Together with the team, Asamani successfully scaled the impact of PMI across the region through organisational transformation, sector partnerships, and collaboration with institutes of higher learning.  

George Asamani holds a BSc in Physics from Kings College London and an MBA from the London Business School.

He co-founded and served as an entrepreneur mentor for LBS’ Accel Awards initiative which seeks to supports early-stage entrepreneurs on the continent with grants, mentors, and access to markets.

He has been a trainer and mentor for British Council’s Entrepreneurial Africa programs in Sudan, Ghana, and the UK. His career highlight also includes building a digital media distribution company. 

On his appointment, George Asamani commented that he was delighted to continue PMI’s work in the high growth Sub-Saharan Africa region as it enters an exciting new phase where industry and individuals are adopting new ways of working (WoW). 

“Project management skills are foundational to WoW, and I will remain focused on being a catalyst and enabling PMI to deliver great stakeholder value,” he added. 

A PMI certification opens access to work in virtually any industry, anywhere in the world. In Africa, where youth and new professionals need a direct route to hard and soft skills required to deliver practical results, a PMI certification can prove to be invaluable.

Coupled with a PMI membership, individuals can easily enhance their influence within the project management community through volunteering efforts at local Chapters. 

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the leading professional association for project management and the authority for a growing global community of millions of project professionals and individuals who use project management skills.

Collectively, these professionals and “changemakers” consistently create better outcomes for businesses, community and society worldwide. 

PMI empowers people to make ideas a reality. Through global advocacy, networking, collaboration, research, and education, PMI prepares organizations and individuals at every stage of their career journey to work smarter so they can drive success in a world of change. 

Building on a proud legacy dating to 1969, PMI is a not-for-profit for-purpose organization working in nearly every country around the world to advance careers, strengthen organizational success, and enable project professionals and changemakers with new skills and ways of working to maximize their impact.

PMI offerings include globally recognized standards, certifications, online courses, thought leadership, tools, digital publications, and communities.

The post Meet George Asamani newly Appointed MD PMI Sub-Saharan Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The lingering ASUU strikes and global megatrends such as digital disruption, demographic and economic shifts, climate crisis and labour shortages are likely to influence skills required to manage or leverage future risk and opportunity landscapes in ways that we can’t yet predict. The future world of work will differ from today. It will also demand very different skill sets.

“The challenge the youth face today is how to ensure what they are learning currently is relevant in tomorrow’s world,” says George Asamani, Business Development Leader, Africa at Project Management Institute.

A vast majority of graduates around the world continue to be challenged by fewer job opportunities that match their qualifications.

The World Youth Skills Day provides Project Management Institute (PMI) an opportunity to show how “young people can take charge of their own skills development, independently managing an agile skills acquisition process to adapt their current skills to new realities – or quickly gain new skills as opportunities develop,” says Asamani.

Careers are no longer a linear journey. Moving between roles, industries and locations is the new normal. While navigating your own career journey provides a path to success and a means of maintaining professional passion, it also places the “power to manage careers firmly in the hands of those committed to continual learning and self-driven development.

Whether you are an engineer, a programmer, an industrial chemist, a marketer or an accountant, these skills on their own could fall short. If young Africans are to contribute meaningfully to a business or build their own enterprises, “we need to learn how to organise and apply our skills in the delivery of actual projects or products and services, explains Asamani.

To help leverage the power of agile and independent skills development, PMI has developed programmes that build bridges between education and employability so that young Africans can deploy their skills in formal employment where available or create their own opportunities for effective entrepreneurship.

In West and East Africa, PMI has partnered successfully with universities to provide courses to help students understand how to apply their skills in project management and delivery in the real world. In South Africa, PMI is keen to engage with universities to address the existing mismatch between youth skills and market needs, a chasm likely to become wider as the Project Economy advances. Project management skills rank as one of the top five scarce skills in the country.   

It’s time to invest in new ideas and approaches to skilling youth for the future of work—not in a vacuum, but in a coordinated, committed fashion. Improving the potential employment outcomes for global youth demands that businesses, governments and other key players cooperate to align educational initiatives, workforce development programs and public policy.

Another revolution that is disrupting the world of work is the use of technology. However, the exponential increase of digital solutions did not see an equal increase in coding talent to support the adoption.

PMI reports show that 86% of IT decision-makers identify a lack of skills, especially software skills, as the biggest challenge to digitally transforming their business.

To support youth in 4IR, PMI collaborated with partners in its larger ecosystem to build the Citizen Developer courseware.

The course teaches the youth to use low-code/no-code development platforms, a type of visual software development environment that allows them to drag-and-drop application components, connect them together and create apps.

According to The Economist magazine, citizen developers are growing at a blistering 40% year-over-year. That’s three times faster than the population of developers (25M) is growing.

“Citizen developers are not only going to ease the pressures on traditional software developers but also address the skills shortage. We expect to see increased adoption by enterprises for specific business needs. Whether you are a project manager or looking to add software development to your arsenal of skills, proficiency in using low-code/no-code tools will hold you in good stead as it is quickly becoming a standard practice for fast application development,” says Asamani.

“It is now time for government, business and not-for-profit organisations like PMI to re-energise public-private partnerships, and invest in new ideas and approaches to skilling youth for the future of work. If we frame the present as an opportunity, a lot can be achieved,” he added.

The post World Youth Skills Day – Take Charge of Your Skills Development, PMI to Nigerian Youths appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.