Africa’s ambitious infrastructure expansion drive, backed by more than $360bn in planned investments, risks being slowed by a growing shortage of skilled construction project professionals, according to new research released by the Project Management Institute.
The warning comes as Sub-Saharan Africa enters what analysts describe as a defining phase of infrastructure development, anchored by the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, a continental initiative aimed at closing critical infrastructure gaps by 2040. The programme covers more than 400 priority projects spanning energy, transport, information and communications technology, and transboundary water systems, with the goal of accelerating regional integration and long-term economic growth.
However, PMI’s latest report indicates that delivery capacity may struggle to keep pace with rising investment. The institute estimates the region will face a 57 per cent talent gap in construction project professionals by 2035, one of the highest projected shortages globally.
Demand for construction project professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow from about 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 skilled workers. Globally, PMI projects that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be required within the same period to meet expanding infrastructure needs.
The report highlights a paradox at the heart of Africa’s development agenda: while construction remains a key driver of GDP growth and job creation, it is also among the least efficient sectors. PMI estimates that roughly 10 per cent of global project investment is lost annually due to poor project performance, a figure that could translate into billions of dollars in unrealised value for a region deploying vast capital into infrastructure.
“Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions,” Managing Director for PMI Sub-Saharan Africa George Asamani stated. “From transport corridors and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare and digital connectivity, projects are the vehicles through which we build our future. But without the right project management capabilities, we risk delays, cost overruns and, ultimately, lost value.”
Infrastructure activity across the region is accelerating, driven by rapid population growth, urbanisation and expanding regional trade. PMI identified Sub-Saharan Africa as recording the fastest growth in demand for construction project professionals globally, with countries such as Ethiopia projected to see annual demand growth rates of about 7.8 per cent.
Construction projects typically involve complex stakeholder ecosystems, including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, communities and international partners. According to the report, weak coordination and communication among these groups remain persistent challenges, often leading to inefficiencies, duplication of effort and costly project rework.
“Construction is highly visible and deeply scrutinised,” Asamani said. “Every bridge, hospital or power plant carries public expectations. When projects go wrong, the impact is felt not just financially but also socially and politically.”
PMI noted that the sector has historically lagged behind other industries in productivity and technology adoption. Digital tools such as building information modelling, digital twins and artificial intelligence are increasingly seen as critical to improving efficiency, transparency and project outcomes.
Employers across the region reported shortages not only in technical project management skills such as planning, scheduling and resource optimisation but also in leadership and collaboration capabilities needed to manage complex infrastructure ecosystems. At the same time, infrastructure financing is becoming increasingly tied to environmental, social and governance requirements, creating demand for project leaders capable of integrating sustainability into project delivery.
The institute said addressing the talent gap will require sustained investment in professional development, improved working conditions and clearer career pathways for emerging and mid-career professionals. Specialised certifications and continuous training programmes are also expected to play a central role in building a resilient workforce capable of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
“If we want infrastructure to be a true engine of GDP growth, we must professionalise the way we deliver it,” Asamani added. “We cannot afford to treat training as a cost. It is an investment in national competitiveness.”
