Africa’s Infrastructure Revolution Faces 57% Workforce Shortage, PMI Warns
Sub-Saharan Africa’s construction industry is approaching a pivotal moment in its development. Central to this transformation is the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), an ambitious initiative aiming to bridge critical infrastructure gaps across energy, transport, ICT, and transboundary water systems by 2040. With over $360 billion committed, PIDA is more than a pipeline of projects; it’s a comprehensive blueprint for fostering regional integration, industrialisation, and sustained economic growth across the continent.Africa’s Infrastructure
However, such an unprecedented scale of ambition raises questions about delivery capacity. New research from the Project Management Institute (PMI) warns that Africa is facing a significant construction talent shortage—estimated at 57% by 2035—ranking among the highest globally. Demand for construction project professionals is expected to increase from approximately 260,000 in 2025 to over 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 skilled workers. This challenge echoes a global trend, with PMI projecting that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be needed worldwide by 2035 to meet rising infrastructure demands.
The report highlights a key paradox in Africa’s growth story: while construction is a vital driver of GDP expansion and employment, it remains one of the most complex and inefficient sectors. PMI data shows that around 10% of global project investment is lost annually due to poor performance. In Africa, where hundreds of billions are being invested, these inefficiencies translate into billions of dollars in unrealised value.
“Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions,” says George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “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, rework, and, ultimately, lost value.”
This urgency is reflected in the rapid increase of infrastructure activity on the ground. Driven by demographic growth, urban expansion, and regional trade integration, the demand for construction professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa is rising faster than anywhere else globally. Ethiopia, in particular, is leading this surge, with projected annual demand growth rates of 7.8%, among the highest worldwide.
Construction projects are inherently complex, involving a diverse array of stakeholders—including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, communities, environmental agencies, and international partners. Misalignment among these groups often results in inefficiencies, duplication, and costly rework. The report notes that poor communication and collaboration remain persistent issues, leading to financial waste and subpar project outcomes.
In addition, frequent design and scope changes heighten the importance of coordination between on-site and off-site teams, as poor integration can quickly cause delays and budget overruns.
“Construction is highly visible and deeply scrutinised,” Asamani adds. “Every bridge, hospital, or power plant carries public expectations. When projects go wrong, the impact is felt not just financially, but socially and politically. That is why professional project management is not a luxury, it is what safeguards value, protects public funds and ensures infrastructure delivers its intended impact.”
Despite its critical role, the construction industry in Africa has historically lagged behind in productivity and technology adoption. PMI’s research emphasises that digitalisation—through tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and artificial intelligence—are essential for unlocking efficiency, improving transparency, and reducing costly rework and waste.
Employers report shortages in core project management skills such as scheduling, planning, and resource optimisation, as well as vital soft skills like communication, collaborative leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Increasingly, infrastructure financing is tied to ESG standards, carbon management, and responsible procurement, creating a demand for project leaders capable of integrating sustainability from the outset.
Addressing the talent gap requires more than just faster recruitment; it demands strategic efforts to retain, develop, and elevate project professionals over the long term. PMI’s research highlights the importance of improving working conditions, investing in professional development, and creating clear career pathways for emerging and mid-career professionals. specialised training and certifications, such as Construction Professional (PMI-CP), are equipping practitioners with the skills needed to manage the increasing complexity of modern infrastructure projects. Additionally, thought leadership and professional networks enable continuous capability building.
“If we want infrastructure to be a true engine of GDP growth, we must professionalise the way we deliver it. We cannot afford to treat training as a cost. It is an investment in national competitiveness,” Asamani concludes.