Sub-Saharan Africa’s construction industry is at a pivotal point in its development. Central to this transformation is the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). This is an ambitious initiative that aims to close critical infrastructure gaps across energy, transport, ICT and cross-border water systems by 2040. With more than $360 billion committed, PIDA is more than a pipeline of projects. It is a comprehensive blueprint for promoting regional integration, industrialization and sustainable economic growth across the continent. african infrastructure
But ambitions of such unprecedented scale raise questions about their ability to be realized. A new study from the Project Management Institute (PMI) warns that Africa faces a significant construction talent shortage, estimated at 57% by 2035, ranking among the highest in the world. Demand for construction project professionals is expected to increase from about 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortage of nearly 150,000 skilled workers. This challenge reflects global trends, with PMI predicting that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be needed worldwide by 2035 to meet growing infrastructure demands.
The report highlights important contradictions in Africa’s growth story. While construction is an important driver of GDP growth and employment, it remains one of the most complex and inefficient sectors. According to PMI data, approximately 10% of global project investments are lost each year due to poor performance. In Africa, where hundreds of billions of dollars are invested, these inefficiencies lead to billions of dollars in unrealized value.
“Construction is at the heart of the region’s development goals,” said George Assamani, Managing Director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “From transportation routes and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare and digital connectivity, projects are how we build our future. But without the right project management capabilities, you risk delays, cost overruns, rework and ultimately loss of value.”
This urgency is reflected in the rapid increase in infrastructure activity on the ground. Population growth, urban expansion and regional trade integration are causing demand for construction professionals to grow faster in sub-Saharan Africa than in other regions of the world. Ethiopia in particular is leading this surge, with annual demand growth expected to be the highest in the world at 7.8%.
Construction projects are inherently complex and involve a variety of stakeholders, including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, local communities, environmental agencies, and international partners. A lack of coordination between these groups often results in inefficiencies, duplication, and costly rework. The report notes that poor communication and collaboration remain persistent problems, leading to financial waste and substandard project outcomes.
Additionally, frequent design and scope changes increase the importance of coordination between onsite and offsite teams. Poor integration can quickly lead to delays and budget overruns.
“Construction is receiving a lot of attention and is being thoroughly scrutinized,” Assamani added. “Public expectations rest on every bridge, hospital, and power plant. When a project fails, the impact is not just economic, but social and political as well. That’s why professional project management is not a luxury; it protects values, protects public funds, and ensures that infrastructure delivers its intended impact.”
Despite its important role, Africa’s construction industry has historically lagged behind in productivity and technology adoption. PMI’s research highlights that digitization through tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins and artificial intelligence is essential to improve efficiency, increase transparency, and reduce costly rework and waste.
Employers report a lack of core project management skills such as scheduling, planning, and resource optimization, as well as critical soft skills such as communication, collaborative leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Infrastructure financing is increasingly tied to ESG standards, carbon management and responsible sourcing, creating a demand for project leaders who can integrate sustainability from the start.
Addressing the talent gap requires more than just hiring faster. Strategic efforts are needed to retain, develop, and enhance project expertise over the long term. PMI’s research highlights the importance of improving working conditions, investing in professional development, and creating clear career paths for new and mid-career professionals. Specialized training and certifications, such as Construction Professional (PMI-CP), give professionals the skills they need to manage the increasing complexity of modern infrastructure projects. Additionally, thought leadership and professional networks enable continuous capacity building.
“If we want infrastructure to become a real driver of GDP growth, we need to professionalize the way we deliver it. We cannot afford to treat training as a cost. It is an investment in national competitiveness,” Assamani concluded.
