PMI Foresees Project Talent Demand Despite Signs of Economic Winter

Mary Nnah

The Project Management Institute’s most recent Talent Gap report has predicted that 2.3 million people will be needed each year to fill all project management-oriented (PMO) positions expected to open by 2030.

The institute noted therefore that to remain competitive, companies will need to hire problem solvers and relationship builders who can help drive change and deliver strategic value. During this decade, sub-Saharan Africa will witness a 40% growth in PMO employment opportunities.

Emphasising on this, the Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute (PMI), George Asamani noted that the continent’s average growth over the past two decades has been a steady 4.5% and 5%.

He added, “Before the pandemic, six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies were in Africa. When the recession induced by Covid-19 hit the developed economies, shrinking them by 5.5%, Africa remained more resilient, shrinking by just 2%.”

Asamani noted further, “Despite these economic conundrums, PMI’s Job Trends Report 2023 has it that the construction, energy, and information technology sectors are well placed to continue playing a key role in the sub-Saharan economy as job creators.  

“These sectors, alongside agriculture and manufacturing, have been a cornerstone of the regional economy. Skills shortages as the economy recovers will create significant opportunities for project talent as companies and countries fast-track projects. Also, foreign direct investment to African countries hit a record $83 billion in 2021, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2022.”

Reuters estimates that $100 billion in energy projects are currently under consideration, including a $30 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Tanzania backed by Norway’s Equinor and energy giant Shell. While long-standing infrastructure and security challenges may stymie some planned initiatives, an assessment by the International Energy Agency found that gas exports from the continent could replace as much as one-fifth of Russia’s usual exports by 2030.

Realising the full potential of foreign investments requires that mega infrastructure and energy projects are delivered on schedule, within the scope, and, most importantly, within budget. Demand for industry-ready project professionals essential to this task remains robust, bucking sluggishness in job additions in the broader economy. Knowing where these opportunities will likely bubble up will empower project professionals to find career opportunities.

Project leaders, especially those with power skills that can help organisations navigate turbulent times, will see consistent demand. Across nearly all sectors, communication is the most critical power skill to possess, according to professionals surveyed in the PMI Pulse of the Profession® 2023 report. 

Overall, 68% of respondents said it was the most critical power skill — followed by problem-solving (65%), collaborative leadership (62%), and strategic thinking (58%). Mastering such behaviours and core technical skills will make project professionals more valuable and probably less vulnerable in cases where the job market declines. 

Amazon opened its first Nigerian office in November to support many start-ups eager to get online and grow. Small- and medium-sized independent outlets dominate retail in the region, but a BCG survey found that many shop owners are eager for digital transformation.

Cash is used in roughly 90% of transactions in Africa, McKinsey finds. But fintech companies launching digital banking initiatives have made “significant inroads into the market,” representing nearly half of the 5,000-plus start-ups identified across the region. With those numbers, the consulting giant estimates that fintech revenues could reach eight times their current value by 2025. But getting that target that will require a huge investment in project talent. 

“There are non-traditional ways of acquiring skills demanded by the industry. The globally recognised credential, Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM), is one such. A high school diploma is a minimum requirement to take the exam. Add five years of experience leading projects, and you can aspire for a Project Management Professional certification, a gold standard in the industry. It is worth noting that project management skills are transferable across industries,”  Asamani added.