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PMI: Africa’s Young Workforce to Rule Economies by 2050

Managing Director, Project Management Institute (PMI), sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. George Asamani, has said by 2050, Africa’s young workforce could be one of the most powerful economic forces globally, thus bridging labour gaps in aging economies.
Asamani, in a statement, said: “Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, a demographic trend that stands in stark contrast to the aging and shrinking workforces in regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.”
He, however, warned that to maximise the advantage, Africa must urgently invest in education, skills development, and strategic workforce planning to ensure its talent is valued globally.
According to the PMI boss, “This must happen in a world where innovation is accelerating, redefining industries and economies, yet disruption—both technological and political—threatens stability.”
“Without coordinated efforts, the continent risks missing out on a defining era—one that could determine whether its young workforce thrives or remains underutilised in a world that desperately needs its talent,” he warned.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights the shifting nature of work, emphasising the rising demand for skills in technology, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and project management, all areas where Africa’s young workforce can thrive if equipped with the right skills.
According to the report, “One of Africa’s greatest challenges is not just unemployment, but a skills mismatch—where graduates enter the job market with qualifications that no longer align with industry needs. This gap emerges because, by the time universities award degrees, three to four years have passed, long enough for industries to evolve, technologies to advance, and employer demands to shift.”
To address the challenges, Asamani explained that higher education must evolve, adding that universities must expand beyond traditional degrees to include industry-aligned training, professional certifications, and skills-based learning that prepare students for the real world.
This, according to him, presents a unique opportunity for universities to enhance their relevance by partnering with organisations to offer globally recognised certifications to students before they graduate.
He revealed that universities across Africa have embraced the approach, with several institutions in Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda serving as Authorised Training Partners (ATP), ensuring that students gain globally recognised project management skills that align with industry needs.
As part of the effort, Asamani advised that governments should declare that certain public projects, particularly in infrastructure, technology, and energy, be managed by certified professionals.
By making certifications a standard for procurement, governments can improve project outcomes, create demand for skilled professionals, and align public sector projects with global best practices, Asamani said.
“Another effective approach is for governments to subsidise or incentivise certification programmes, making them more accessible, particularly in high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, project management, and advanced manufacturing,” Asamani further said.