As the world grapples with economic challenges, climate change, and rising demands, project management experts gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, affirming that cutting-edge technology and youth engagement are key to achieving sustainable development in Africa.
This was emphasized on the first day of the three-day “PMI Global Summit Series 2025 Africa Edition”, held on August 19 and organized by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Africa. The summit brought together government institutions, private sector companies, international organizations, and academics from across the continent.
Technology is Transforming Project Management
George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted that the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management offers hope for knowledge-driven and results-oriented development.
“This is not the time to fear AI,” he said. “Project managers are now using it to prepare for certification exams, plan projects, and improve execution.”
PMI has developed “PMI Infinity”, an AI-powered tool designed to help project managers enhance their performance. Specialized training was also offered, including sessions on prompt engineering and the practical application of AI.
Youth Entering a Little-Known Field
Anitha Ineza Twagira, a third-year project management student at Kepler College in Kigali, said the summit gave her a rare opportunity to meet and learn from experienced professionals.
“I see many benefits, both in knowledge and in networking,” she said. However, she added that project management is still not well known in Rwanda—something that discourages students and makes it harder to access the job market.
Strengthening African Expertise
Innocent Kayigamba, President of PMI Rwanda Chapter, said the summit provided a platform to share knowledge that will enable Africa to manage impactful projects more effectively.
“We face similar challenges across the continent, but our project management capabilities vary. Summits like this equip participants with globally relevant skills,” he said.
Bridging Government, Private Sector, and Academia
The summit brought together diverse sectors to explore how Africa can learn from global best practices while applying solutions rooted in local culture and context.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasized that well-managed projects improve lives and bring hope to communities, paving the way for a better future.
Africa Today Needs Skills, Technology, and Commitment
As reflected in this year’s theme, “Africa on Purpose*, the summit underscored that real development comes from purposeful projects—well-planned, well-executed, and led by people with the right skills for the times.
