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The Managing Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, has projected that Africa’s youthful workforce could emerge as a formidable global economic force by 2050, addressing labour shortages in ageing economies worldwide.
Asamani made this assertion in a statement released during a recent event, where he described Africa as the “cradle of humanity”, now poised to become the “cradle of skills”, due to its young and dynamic population.
He highlighted the continent’s demographic advantage, noting that while Africa’s population is growing younger, many regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia are experiencing shrinking and ageing workforces.
“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,” Asamani warned.
Skills Gap Threatens Africa’s Potential
Despite its demographic advantage, Asamani cautioned that Africa could fail to capitalise on this opportunity if urgent investments in education, skills development, and strategic workforce planning are not made.
Citing the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, he underscored a widening skills mismatch as one of the major challenges facing the continent.
According to the report, the demand for expertise in areas such as technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, and project management is increasing globally. However, many African graduates face difficulties securing jobs due to outdated curricula that fail to keep pace with rapid industry changes.
“By the time universities award degrees—typically after three to four years—technologies advance, industries evolve, and employer demands shift,” Asamani explained.
Call for Education Reform and Certification
To address the skills gap, Asamani called for higher education institutions across Africa to evolve beyond traditional degrees by incorporating:
- Industry-aligned training
- Professional certifications
- Skills-based learning
He stressed that these measures would better prepare students for real-world job markets and suggested that universities partner with industry bodies to offer globally recognised certifications before graduation.
“This 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 stated.
Asamani commended Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda for leading the way by partnering with PMI to provide students with practical, globally recognised project management skills. He urged other nations to follow suit and incorporate similar programmes into their national education policies.
Policy Recommendations to Maximise Africa’s Workforce Potential
Asamani outlined several policy measures to unlock Africa’s potential and ensure its young workforce can compete on the global stage:
- Integrate Certifications into National Policies:
- Include professional certifications in high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy as part of formal education pathways.
- Certified Management of Public Projects:
- Mandate that public sector projects—particularly in infrastructure, technology, and energy—be managed by certified professionals to improve project outcomes and align with global standards.
- Government Incentives for Skills Development:
- Subsidise and incentivise certification programmes to make them accessible to a broader segment of the population.
A Strategic Path to Global Competitiveness
Asamani stressed that the public and private sectors must work together to reshape education systems, promote skills development, and align with industry demands.
“Africa now needs action. Governments, universities, and businesses must break old models, invest in skills, and build a workforce that not only participates in but also defines the future,” he said.
He concluded that with strategic investments in education and policy reforms, Africa could transform its young population into a globally competitive advantage, driving economic growth and innovation for decades to come.
