Africa Faces 57% Construction Talent Gap – PMI

Africa Faces 57% Construction Talent Gap – PMI

Lagos, Nigeria, March 16, 2026 — Sub-Saharan Africa’s construction sector is entering a defining phase, driven by ambitious infrastructure investments aimed at accelerating economic growth and regional integration. At the heart of this transformation is the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a continent-wide plan targeting the delivery of more than 400 priority projects across energy, transport, ICT and water systems by 2040.

With over $360 billion in commitments, PIDA is expected to play a central role in closing infrastructure gaps and unlocking industrialisation across Africa. However, new findings from the Project Management Institute (PMI) indicate that the region’s ability to deliver these projects could be undermined by a significant shortage of skilled professionals.

According to PMI, Sub-Saharan Africa faces a 57 per cent talent gap in construction project professionals by 2035—one of the highest globally. Demand for such professionals is projected to rise from about 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 workers.

The regional challenge mirrors a broader global trend, with PMI estimating that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be required worldwide over the same period to meet growing infrastructure demands.

The report highlights a critical paradox: while construction remains a major driver of GDP growth and job creation, it is also one of the most complex and inefficient sectors. PMI data shows that roughly 10 per cent of global project investment is lost annually due to poor project performance—an inefficiency that could translate into billions of dollars in lost value for Africa’s infrastructure ambitions.

“Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions,” said George Asamani. “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 lost value.”

Infrastructure activity across the region continues to accelerate, driven by population growth, rapid urbanisation and expanding regional trade. PMI’s research identifies Sub-Saharan Africa as the fastest-growing region globally in demand for construction project professionals, with countries such as Ethiopia recording projected annual growth rates of up to 7.8 per cent.

The report notes that construction projects are inherently complex, involving multiple stakeholders including governments, contractors, financiers, regulators, communities and international partners. Poor coordination among these groups often leads to inefficiencies, duplication of efforts and costly rework.

“In an industry where projects are highly visible and closely scrutinised, failures carry not just financial consequences but social and political ones,” Asamani added. “Professional project management is essential to safeguard value, protect public funds and ensure infrastructure delivers its intended impact.”

Despite its importance, the sector has historically lagged in productivity and technology adoption. PMI identifies digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins and artificial intelligence as key to improving efficiency, enhancing transparency and reducing waste.

Beyond technical expertise, employers are also grappling with shortages in core project management skills such as planning, scheduling and resource optimisation, as well as soft skills like communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement. At the same time, increasing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards is driving demand for professionals who can integrate sustainability into infrastructure delivery.

PMI stressed that addressing the talent gap will require a long-term, strategic approach. This includes improving working conditions, investing in continuous professional development and creating structured career pathways for both new entrants and experienced professionals.

The institute also highlighted the importance of specialised training and certifications, such as the Construction Professional (PMI-CP), to equip practitioners with the skills needed to manage the growing complexity of infrastructure projects.

“If we want infrastructure to be a true engine of GDP growth, we must professionalise the way we deliver it,” Asamani said. “Training is not a cost—it is an investment in national competitiveness.”