‘Africa’s infrastructure boom faces 57% talent gap’
As governments across Africa accelerate infrastructure investment, new research from Project Management Institute (PMI) has warned 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 2026 to […]
As governments across Africa accelerate infrastructure investment, new research from Project Management Institute (PMI) has warned 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 2026 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 professionals, the report added.
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”, he added.