Strengthening Africa’s Project Management Capacity through Engagement with China
As part of a strategic initiative to enhance project management capabilities, a delegation from Nigeria and several other African nations is currently visiting China. This high-level mission, led by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Sub-Saharan Africa, aims to explore strategies for capacity building, professional certification, and infrastructure development. The delegation, which consists of government officials and corporate leaders from across the continent, is keen on understanding the systematic approaches that have enabled China to establish itself as a global leader in executing large-scale projects.
Key Objectives of the Visit
The visit includes a series of meetings with prominent Chinese organizations such as ZTE Corporation, China Communications Construction Company Ltd, CNPC Engineering & Construction Company, Hengbao Co., Ltd, and Tsinghua University. These discussions are focused on analyzing China’s disciplined approach to talent development, organizational agility, and sustained investment in enhancing professional capacity.
In addition to these meetings, the delegation will participate in the China PMO Symposium and engage in high-level business-to-business roundtables. They will also collaborate with the China International Talent Exchange Foundation, a government agency dedicated to fostering international capacity development in partnership with PMI.
Insights from PMI Leadership
George Asamani, the Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of this visit, stating, “This is an opportunity to observe a country that has built a global reputation for delivery.” He noted that China’s project execution capabilities have been cultivated through strategic foresight, institutional discipline, and a long-term commitment to capacity building and professional certification. This case study illustrates how effective project management can become a national competitive advantage when integrated at all levels.
Representation from Key African Institutions
The delegation comprises senior representatives from various critical institutions for Africa’s growth, including the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions, and several private sector organizations. This diverse representation underscores the importance of project management in addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.
The Growing Importance of Project Management in Africa
PMI highlighted that while the primary goal of the mission is knowledge exchange, it also reflects a broader global trend. In an era of rapid change, the ability to deliver projects consistently and at scale has emerged as a vital differentiator. As tools and technologies evolve, project management remains a foundational discipline that provides the necessary structure, focus, and accountability.
The relevance of project management is particularly pronounced in Africa, where ongoing digital transformation, urbanization, and industrial growth are generating a pressing need for professionals skilled in translating plans into actionable outcomes. However, it is concerning to note that Sub-Saharan Africa currently accounts for only two percent of the certified project professionals needed to drive such development.
Increased Global Interest in Africa
PMI noted that the rising demand for project management talent coincides with heightened global interest in Africa’s development. A recent commitment by China to provide $51 billion in new financial support over three years exemplifies the strategic intent to bolster industrial, digital, and social development partnerships with African nations.
This context adds further significance to the delegation’s visit to China. Not only does it align with Africa’s goals to strengthen its project delivery capacity, but it also presents an opportunity for Chinese organizations to enhance their global visibility and share best practices while gaining insights into Africa’s infrastructure and talent landscape.
Enhancing Local Partnerships
As Chinese companies expand their investments in Africa, engagements of this nature are crucial for fostering deeper awareness of local policy frameworks and institutional realities. This understanding can ultimately lead to more informed and sustainable partnerships, benefiting both parties.
Bob Chen, the Managing Director of PMI China, expressed his honor in welcoming the African delegation. He acknowledged that China’s experience in institutionalizing project management has played a significant role in its development success. “This exchange offers an opportunity to share experiences, foster mutual understanding, and reaffirm project management’s global relevance as a driver of progress,” he stated.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
The visit not only serves as a study tour but also symbolizes a commitment to embedding a culture of disciplined project delivery across Africa. By observing how China integrates project management into its institutions, supply chains, and public systems, the delegation is expected to return with valuable lessons that can support scalable and locally relevant transformation.
Asamani concluded, “For Africa to fully realize its infrastructure, industrial, and digital transformation goals, project management must transition from the periphery to the center of national and corporate strategy.” This visit is poised to ignite a movement toward maximizing project success and uplifting the continent’s development trajectory.
