3 African projects make PMI’s Top 20

PROJECT Management Institute (PMI) has revealed its 2024 ‘Most Influential Projects’ list with three African projects making the top 20 projects across industries and regions.

The institute, in a statement, explained that the projects, which had achieved significant milestones in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the last 18 months, addressed clear outcomes that drive project success beyond budget, scope and schedule.

The full list of projects was revealed at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, recently.

Since introducing the SDGs in 2015 to address the world’s most urgent environmental, political and economic challenges, millions of people, non-profits, collectives and companies have come together to generate robust, creative ideas about improving the world and creating progress, the statement noted.

The institute, however, noted that progress has been slow, with only 17 percent of the SDG targets on track, while nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, according to The Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2024.

At the same time, PMI research just revealed that projects with some degree of social benefits are more likely to be rated a success.

The three standout projects that have been honoured from the Sub-Saharan Africa region are Africa’s Largest Kitchen by Food4Education, which addresses food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to school children across Kenya, directly contributing to the UN SDG of zero hunger; Life-changing Cash Transfers, a project by GiveDirectly, empowering vulnerable communities through direct cash transfers and Energy Subscription Programme under the Beyond The Grid Fund for Africa.

Speaking on the recent list, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI, George Asamani, described the year’s Most Influential Projects as demonstrating the tremendous potential of project management to not only meet strategic goals but also to drive meaningful social change.

He added: “Through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable development, we are seeing real progress in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.”

“PMI is proud to recognise and celebrate these efforts as they embody the spirit of what project management can achieve for a better future.”

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