Do you wonder about the untapped power of project management in Africa? There is a big demand for skilled project managers. There are over 715,000 job openings, with a starting salary of $77,000¹. This makes it a great time for experts to enter the field in Africa.

Research shows there are not enough qualified project managers in Africa. This is especially clear in developing places, where the need is growing fast. The industry is set to expand, with almost 87,000 new jobs open each year in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2019 to 2030.

Addressing this shortfall and unleashing Africa’s industrial might are crucial. The future of Africa’s economy depends on training skilled project managers. They will lead big projects in diverse areas.

Key Takeaways

• Over 715,000 open project management jobs in Africa
• Median entry-level salary of $77,000 for project managers
• Critical shortage of skilled project managers across the continent
• Projected 87,000 annual job openings in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Urgent need to develop a skilled project management workforce
• Opportunity for professionals to make a significant impact in the industry

The Growing Demand for Project Managers in Africa

Africa’s need for project managers is changing fast. Its economy is growing quickly, especially in building new roads and buildings. So, the job market for project managers is booming, offering great chances to start a career.

Current Manpower Shortage in African Project Management

Africa is full of projects but lacks enough project managers. It’s expected that there will be 40% more jobs for them in the next ten years². This means there’s a big gap between the number of jobs available and skilled people to fill them.

Projected Job Openings in Sub-Saharan Africa

The outlook is optimistic for project management careers in Africa. About 87,000 jobs will open up every year in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2019 to 2030³. This is a great opportunity for those interested in this field in the region.

Addressing the Skill Deficit is Key

There’s more need for project managers in Africa than there are qualified people. Sub-Saharan Africa only produces 3,000 certified project managers a year. In contrast, North America and China produce 30,000 and 100,000 certifications yearly³. This shortage shows we must train more project managers in Africa.

To fill this gap, Africa should invest in building its project management workforce. This means focusing on continuous learning, mentorship, and working with schools. Skilled project managers are vital for Africa’s growth and progress.

Project Management Employment Statistics in Africa

Africa is seeing big growth in project management jobs. This mirrors its economic progress. By 2050, 1 billion Africans will be of working age. They will make up a quarter of the world’s workers⁴.

This change brings both challenges and chances for project managers in Africa⁴. For example, in 2020, Africa’s jobless rate was at 6.6%. However, project management jobs are increasing, especially in building, energy, and IT⁴.

Projects backed by China have significantly upped local jobs in Africa. They’ve added 2-3% more jobs in the first two years alone⁵. This rise is seen in many fields, especially in jobs needing project management skills.

But, the project management staff in Africa has its own issues. Many places lack in health and education for workers⁴. To make things better, some countries are putting about 5% of their money into education⁴.

Project management work in Africa pays well. A top project manager job in Africa can bring a salary of US$ 96,921.34 for those hired internationally⁶. This shows how much Africa values project management skills.

AI-generated content, reviewed and edited by humans. Brought to you by [seowriting.ai](https://seowriting.ai).

Comparing African Project Management Certifications Globally

Project management certifications are key for professional development in Africa. We will look at how PMP certifications in Africa compare to global standards. We’ll also see how they affect job opportunities.

Certification Rates in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has fewer project management certifications. This shows the area needs more attention for professional growth.

North American and Chinese Certification Numbers

Certification rates show a big difference between Africa, North America, and China. North America and China have many more certified professionals each year. PMI issues 833,000 PMP® Certifications worldwide, with a big group in Asia and the Americas⁷.

The Impact of Certifications on Employability

Getting project management certifications can really help your career. PMP certified managers earn up to 22% more than those without the certification⁸. For those with 20 years of experience, they earn $144,000 a year on average worldwide⁹.

The need for certified project managers is growing, with a 33% increase expected by 2027⁹. This shows how critical these certifications are for professional success in Africa and everywhere else.

Key Sectors Driving Project Management Jobs in Africa

Africa’s project management world is changing quickly. Many areas are adding new jobs. For example, the construction field is growing fast. People working in this area make around $87,400 each year on average¹⁰. With this growth, we expect a 33% rise in project management jobs by 2027¹¹.

IT project management is also seeing a lot of growth. Project managers here are important for things like saving data, creating mobile apps, and putting software in place¹⁰. The average salary for IT project managers in Africa is $114,000. This shows how much their skills are needed¹¹.

In Africa, lots of other sectors need project managers too. For example, the utility field pays between $59,000 and $134,000 each year. Manufacturing jobs offer between $40,000 and $100,000 annually¹⁰. These numbers prove that project management careers in Africa are diverse and well-paid across many different fields.

The table shows how much project managers make in different fields. It shows the many great chances in project management across Africa¹¹. These numbers prove that project management is key in Africa’s growth and development.

Strategies for Capacity Building in African Project Management

Building skills in African project management is key. It helps with workforce growth and the need for project managers. To do this, we must use strategies that help African professionals grow¹².

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer

Mentorship is critical in building project management skills. Experienced project managers can show new ones the ropes. They share tips and best ways to do things. This is a good way to close the skill gap and help the field grow¹².

Collaboration with Public and Private Organizations

Working together is vital for growth. Organizations like the World Bank help a lot. They’ve given $9 billion in loans and $900 million in grants for growth in Africa between 1995 and 2004¹³. These team-ups offer practical chances and swapping of ideas¹³.

Partnerships with Educational Institutions

Joining forces with schools is crucial. In Kenya, more than 20,000 engineers can be future project managers¹². When schools match their teachings to what the industry needs, they produce workers ready for the job. This is a great way to meet the demands of project management in Africa.

To boost Africa’s project management, we must focus on mentorship, team efforts across different sectors, and education. By doing so, we support the continent’s journey to industrial success. It’s key to create initiatives that address specific needs and track how they help. This ensures there is real growth in project management in Africa¹³.

The Role of Innovation in African Project Management

In Africa, innovation in project management is key for industrial growth. The project management scene is changing, emphasizing creative and new tactics to deal with today’s issues.

Agile project management is picking up pace in Africa. It’s great for the fast-paced African market, offering more adaptability and quick responses. A study of 9503 firms in 11 sub-Saharan African countries showed that creativity boosted employee growth¹⁴.

The continent’s digital shift is opening doors for innovative management methods. By the end of 2021, most people in Sub-Saharan Africa could access 3G, and many had 4G coverage¹⁵. This better connectivity lets project managers use more effective and team-driven strategies.

To push innovation in project management, governments in Africa should support a culture that brings out young people’s creativity. This might include:

• Incentivizing new and creative methods
• Backing up research and development with policies
• Encouraging bold risks and trying new ideas through regulations

Africa’s education systems also need to change to prepare future managers for innovation. They should train students to see problems as chances and to think critically. Investments in research and development are less in Africa than in other parts of the world. This shows the urgent need to build innovation skills¹⁶.

As African project management keeps evolving, innovation will be crucial for growth. By supporting creativity and using agile techniques, project managers in Africa can flourish. They can find new solutions for local issues and aid in global progress.

Project Management’s Impact on African Industrialization

Project management is driving African industrial growth. Its influence on the continent’s future economy is huge. Over the last 15 years, there has been a 300% rise in African companies working in areas like farming and eco-friendly energy¹⁷.

Poverty Eradication Through Employment Creation

This growth is also creating new jobs. In sub-Saharan Africa, 150 companies focusing on clean energy off-the-grid have appeared in the past ten years. They bring power to 370 million people and business¹⁷. More jobs mean better lives for many.

Wealth Creation Opportunities

Project management is creating wealth opportunities in Africa. It urges investors to bridge the $20-50 million financial needs of African green ventures to boost their growth¹⁷. Both local and international investors can join in this chance for Africa’s development.

Project Management as a Catalyst for Growth

Project management is propelling industrial growth in Africa. The use of 4IR technologies in small and medium manufacturers is expected to up their profit by 15-20%¹⁸. This is essential for Africa’s economic upturn.

Africa needs to tackle some challenges to fully release project management’s power. Despite a solid decade of work, more than 75% of Africa’s green projects earn less than $20 million each year¹⁷. Better project management can aid these projects in growing and boosting Africa’s industrialization.

Salary Trends for Project Managers in Africa

In Africa, project management jobs are getting better pay, especially in South Africa. A Project Manager’s average salary in Operations in South Africa is ZAR 435,042 a year, with a middle figure at ZAR 435,000¹⁹. This role can lead to high earnings, up to ZAR 787,000 a year¹⁹.

How much you earn grows with your experience. New project managers make around R272,160. But, those with experience get paid a lot more, going up to 79% more¹⁹. This is seen worldwide, with more experienced managers earning a lot more than new ones²⁰.

If you have certain certifications, your salary can get a big boost in Africa. PMP certification holders in South Africa earn at least 65% more than those without²¹. Even those with PMP for under three years make almost twice the average South African salary of R46,111 each month²¹.

Project management can be a very high-paying job in Africa. The median salary for these professionals in South Africa is R83,962. This is earned by only 1.6% of the working people²¹. It shows there are good opportunities in this field as more jobs become available.

To make more money, project managers might think about changing jobs, getting more education, and getting more experience managing¹⁹. They should always be working to improve their skills and grow professionally. This can lead to getting paid more in this growing field²⁰.

Skills Gap Analysis in African Project Management

The project management market in Africa lacks vital skills. This shortage stops the continent from fully meeting project needs. Many African countries are behind in training their people, according to the World Bank²².

The need for project managers is growing fast worldwide. By 2030, the world may need 25 million more professionals. This demands 2.3 million new project managers each year. It’s vital for Africa to bridge this gap to join the booming global market.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer project management certifications are given each year. This gap has a global impact. Without enough project experts, the world’s economy could lose up to USD $345.5 billion by 2030²².

It’s key for Africa to fill this skills gap for economic success. Sectors like agriculture, construction, and mining in countries like Ghana need skilled project managers. These sectors are major players in the economy. Thus, investing in project management skills is critical for growth²³.

Africa needs better education and certification programs. The PMP certification from PMI is a great way to show project management expertise. By improving skills, Africa can support global economic growth as the need for professionals increases²⁴.

The Future of Project Management Jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Project management jobs in Africa are getting more exciting. Opportunities are sprouting up in many fields. In Sub-Saharan areas, especially, more skilled professionals are needed due to growth and development projects.

Projected Increase in PMO Employment

There’s a clear rise in project management jobs across Africa. South Africa, for instance, saw a boost of 399,000 in employed persons in one quarter of 2023 alone. This upbeat trend offers hope for those seeking jobs²¹. Having a PMP certification can also mean a better salary in this field²¹.

Sectors Poised for Growth

Various sectors are leading the demand for project managers in Sub-Saharan Africa:

• Construction
• Energy
• Information Technology
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector in Africa’s low- and middle-income areas is growing. So is the use of technology in agriculture. These bring new chances for project managers²⁵.

Opportunities Amid Economic Challenges

While there are economic hurdles, Africa’s project management scene is blooming. The informal sector employs the most in Africa but is changing fast²⁶. This shift is a big chance for project managers to boost economic growth through formal projects.

Getting a PMP certification can really help. In South Africa, those with a PMP plus under three years experience can earn almost twice the average salary²¹.

With Africa’s ongoing growth, the need for skilled project managers will keep rising. By staying updated, and improving skills, project managers can secure a bright future in this expanding market.

Importance of Power Skills in African Project Management

In African project management, power skills are now key. Communication skills are vital in all industries today. Leaders who can handle problems, lead, and change easily are very wanted. They are needed to guide organizations through hard times.

The PMI Africa Conference shows how important project management power skills are. International experts meet to talk about new ideas and Africa’s special issues. They focus on using tech, making development sustainable, and growing the economy²⁷.

Leading projects in Africa is about more than knowing the tech. The conference points out how essential power skills like handling conflicts, understanding emotions, and talking are. These abilities help manage tough projects and get people to work together²⁷.

Africa’s changing workforce shows why these skills matter even more. As people live longer and learn more, teams become more diverse. Project leaders must be ready to guide all kinds of teams and inspire Africa’s young talent²⁸.

With tech growing, project leaders must mix technical smarts with good people skills. In Africa, work’s future is linked to our social and political choices. This makes learning and skill building very important²⁸.

South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme is a good example. It needs local ownership and teaming up. This helps share knowledge in many areas, improving how projects are managed²⁹.

To grow these vital skills, Africa can use help from both public and private groups. Together, they can make sure that training meets what the industry needs. This prepares project managers to do well in all kinds of areas²⁹.

Challenges Facing the Project Management Industry in Africa

Africa’s project management field faces many hurdles. There’s not enough money and skilled workers in South Africa which really slows things down³⁰. Most jobs need at least 5 years of experience, showing a big skills gap³¹.

Instability from politics and money issues often change project goals³⁰. In Africa, project managers earn 20% less than others worldwide³¹.

Getting projects going is tough due to poor electricity and transport in South Africa³⁰. Bad weather and disagreements from locals also make things harder and more expensive in telecoms³².

The mix of different cultures in South Africa can be good and bad. It can spark new ideas in teams but also creates problems in talking and working together³⁰. Not everyone gets each other’s project talk, which causes mistakes³².

Being a good leader really matters. One study found that 30% of project delays in Africa are due to weak leadership³¹. So, strong leaders are key to facing Africa’s project management hurdles.

Dealing with these issues is vital for project management’s growth in Africa. Developing skills, fixing infrastructure, and having good leaders can help beat these challenges, boosting Africa’s economy.

Comparison of African Project Management Market with Global Trends

The project management scene in Africa is changing rapidly, bringing its own set of challenges and chances. There’s a big need for project managers in many fields, much like what we see globally.

The consulting sector in Africa, which includes project management, is worth over $2 billion. It’s growing by 5-7% every year, matching predictions for the global market³³.

African project managers have their work cut out for them. While the world is focusing more on specialized roles, Africa is short on some key skills. This lack shows in the lower numbers of certifications compared to other places like North America and China.

Project management is booming in Africa in areas like financial services, health, and the energy sector. These growth areas reflect a worldwide trend, especially in new markets³³.

What’s really interesting is that in Africa, 29% of consulting firms are huge, with over 1,000 people. This is way above the global average of 10%. Such a high number of big firms could change how project management works and the chances available³³.

There’s serious growth potential for project management in Africa. Initiatives like the World Bank’s Africa Human Development portfolio are backing 232 projects, investing $34.3 billion. This shows the region’s promise and matches the global interest in project management for growing economies³⁴.

Recommendations for Aspiring Project Managers in Africa

If you’re looking for advice on starting a project management career in Africa, we’re here to help. The project management field on the continent is quickly changing. It’s important to be aware of these changes.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Being a successful project manager means always learning and growing your skills. Keep up with new trends in project management, like agile methods. These can make your team work better together and handle changes in projects easier³⁵.

Also, learning how to manage projects remotely can save money and let you work with people from around the world³⁵.

Obtaining Relevant Certifications

Getting certified is key for your career in project management in Africa. Think about getting certifications that are well-known globally, like PMP or CAPM from PMI³⁶. In South Africa, getting certified by SACPCMP can also be a good move. It shows you’re serious and helps with your professional development points³⁶.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking is crucial for growing your project management skills. Become part of groups like Project Management South Africa (PMSA). They organize conferences and meetings that keep you connected and aware of job openings³⁷. Also, attend events in your industry to meet others and learn about opportunities.

Working on these things can put aspiring project managers in Africa on the right path. The project management world is growing fast, with 88 million jobs expected by 2027³⁶.

Conclusion

The African project management industry is at a turning point for major growth and change. More than 60% of Africa’s people are under 25, offering lots of new talent ready to lead the way forward³⁸. But, with high unemployment for the young, topping 20% continent-wide, it’s clear we must create jobs and grow skills in areas like project management³⁸.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a huge role in project management jobs in Africa. They make up about 90% of all businesses on the continent and add up to 33% of its GDP. This means big chances for project managers³⁹. Places like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are seeing more SMEs, especially in tech and farming. This growth opens up even more career paths in project management across Africa³⁹.

But, the industry faces real hurdles too. A big problem is that 70% of projects in Africa end in failure, and 42% of firms don’t see how vital project management truly is⁴⁰. To tackle this, we need to get better at building capacity, being innovative, and forming strong partnerships. The goal of needing 87.7 million project management pros by 2027 shows just how big this field can become⁴⁰. Investing in project management and filling the skills gap could lead to economic growth, more jobs, and help Africa reach its full industrial might.

References:

1. Google Project Management: – https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-project-management
2. Africa suffers shortage of project managers as infrastructure projects boom – https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/africa-suffers-shortage-of-project-managers-as-infrastructure-projects-boom/0e3k7be
3. Africa must address manpower shortage in project management – Report – https://punchng.com/africa-must-address-manpower-shortage-in-project-management-report/
4. Africa’s Jobs Plan – Creating Millions of Jobs for Africa’s Teeming Youth – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/africas-jobs-plan-creating-millions-teeming-youth-ladé-araba
5. Chinese Aid and Local Employment in Africa – https://docs.aiddata.org/ad4/pdfs/WPS107_Chinese_Aid_and_Local_Employment_in_Africa.pdf
6. Project Management Expert (AfCDC) – Africa CDC – https://africacdc.org/career/project-management-expert-afcdc/
7. IPMA vs PMP: A Comparative Analysis of Project Management Certifications – https://www.simpliaxis.com/resources/ipma-vs-pmp
8. How To Know Which Project Management Certification is Right For You? – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-know-which-project-management-certification
9. Statistics About The Average Pmp Salary • Gitnux – https://gitnux.org/average-pmp-salary/
10. Thrive in Your Project Management Career: Best Industries Revealed – https://www.simpliaxis.com/resources/best-industries-for-project-managers
11. Career Outlook – Master’s in Project Management – Saint Mary’s – https://www.smumn.edu/online-masters-in-project-management/careers/
12. BUILDING CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY FOR PPPs – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/building-capacity-capability-ppps-rose-tzbaf
13. World Bank Document – https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/135051468008418546/pdf/343510PAPER0AF101OFFICIAL0USE0ONLY1.pdf
14. Creativity, innovation and employment growth in sub-Saharan Africa – https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/AJEMS-02-2022-0074/full/html
15. Digital Transformation Drives Development in Africa  – https://projects.worldbank.org/en/results/2024/01/18/digital-transformation-drives-development-in-afe-afw-africa
16. Innovation in Africa – https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/speech/2017/11/30/innovation-in-africa
17. Strategies for Scaling Africa’s Green Ventures – https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/scaling-green-ventures-in-africa
18. Addressing the Impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution on South African Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/21/11703
19. Project Manager, Operations – https://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Job=Project_Manager,_Operations/Salary
20. PM Salary Survey Results – https://instituteprojectmanagement.com/blog/pm-salary-survey-results/
21. Why you might want to add project management to your skills set | City Press – https://www.news24.com/citypress/careers/why-you-might-want-to-add-project-management-to-your-skills-set-20231115
22. PMI talent gap report highlights growing demand for project management skills – Businessday NG – https://businessday.ng/news/article/pmi-talent-gap-report-highlights-growing-demand-for-project-management-skills/
23. With more than half of Ghana’s workers experiencing an education mismatch with their roles, and traditional educational institutions struggling to provide the skills needed in the modern business world, the workforce is looking to alternative solutions to level up their skills. – https://www.nexford.edu/insights/skills-supply-and-skills-demand-in-the-ghanaian-economy
24. Moving from Business Analyst to Project Manager – Techcanvass – https://techcanvass.com/blogs/moving-from-ba-to-project-manager.aspx
25. Technology and the future of jobs in Africa | Brookings – https://www.brookings.edu/articles/technology-and-the-future-of-jobs-in-africa/
26. The Future of Work in Africa – https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-46590-2_9
27. Theme – PMI Africa Conference – https://pmiafricaconference.com/call-for-papers/
28. Skills futures in Africa – PROSPECTS – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11125-022-09622-9
29. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE  ENERGY TRANSITION IN THE AFRICAN POWER SECTOR – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/skills-development-energy-transition-african-power-sector
30. Project Management in South Africa: Balancing Benefits and Challenges – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/project-management-south-africa-balancing-benefits-challenges-4rjcf
31. Give me an example of a time that you have led a group to achieve a difficult goal! | PrepLounge.com – https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/give-me-an-example-of-a-time-that-you-have-led-a-group-to-achieve-a-difficult-goal-4825
32. Factors That Impact Project Manager Success Part 3 | Regenesys – https://www.regenesys.net/reginsights/factors-that-impact-project-managers-effectiveness-in-telecom-sector-in-south-africa-part-3
33. The African Consulting Industry 2023: A Comprehensive Guide – https://consultingquest.com/insights/the-african-consulting-industry/
34. Overview – https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/overview
35. Emerging Trends in Project Management in Africa: How Businesses Can Adapt – StreSERT Integrated Limited – https://stresertintegrated.com/emerging-trends-in-project-management-in-africa-how-businesses-can-adapt/
36. How to advance in your project management career? – https://projectmanagementsa.co.za/blog/how-to-advance-in-your-project-management-career
37. Project Management around the World – South Africa | Virtual Project Consulting – https://www.virtualprojectconsulting.com/project-management-around-the-world-south-africa/
38. Youth Employment Statistics in Africa in 2023 | Matsh – Empowering Youth, Women and Professionals – https://www.matsh.co/en/youth-employment-statistics-in-africa/
39. SMEs: A Workforce Surge in Africa – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smes-workforce-surge-adscentre
40. Project Management Statistics 2024: New Trends | TeamStage – https://teamstage.io/project-management-statistics/