PMI Global Summit in Kigali: Experts Push for Professionalism and Homegrown Solutions

Project management experts from across Africa have pledged to strengthen professionalism and champion homegrown solutions as a pathway to sustainable development. 

The commitment was made in Kigali on August 19, at the opening of PMI Global Summit Series 2025 Africa Edition, a three-day gathering organized by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Africa.

Bringing together government institutions, private companies, international organizations, and academia, the summit aims to sharpen the skills needed to execute transformative projects across the continent.

Sharing Knowledge for Progress

Innocent Kayigamba, President of the PMI Rwanda Chapter, said the summit offers an opportunity to exchange expertise that can directly improve how projects are designed and executed across Africa.

“When we come together in large numbers, we discover that the challenges we face are often similar, but our levels of professionalism differ,” Kayigamba explained. “Each participant leaves with knowledge that will help them implement better projects and achieve long term goals.”

He added that the uniqueness of the Kigali gathering lies in its global scope: “It is called the Global Summit series because we think about the world as a whole, but apply those lessons to Africa.”

Focus on Execution and Technology

George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of execution in project management, warning that Africa continues to suffer from projects that stall or fail despite heavy investments.

“One of Africa’s biggest challenges is lack of execution capability,” he said. “We have many projects costing billions of dollars, but without the right skills, they fail. Our goal is to ensure fewer failures and more successes.”

This year’s summit is being held under the theme Africa on Purpose. Asamani explained that the theme reflects intentionality in project execution:

“We are asking: what is our reason for doing, and how diligent are we in carrying it out? By the end of these three days, participants will reflect deeply on their role and also benefit from robust educational sessions.”

A key highlight is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management. PMI has invested in developing PMI Infinity, an AI powered tool designed for project managers. The institute also offers AI focused training, including prompt engineering and other applications, to ensure professionals can use technology to their advantage.

“AI is no longer something to fear,” Asamani noted. “Project managers worldwide, including Africa, are now using AI to prepare for certifications, design projects, and improve delivery.”

Nurturing Future Leaders

Among the younger participants was Anitha Ineza Twagira, a third-year project management student at Kepler College in Kigali. She described the summit as a rare opportunity for students to network with seasoned professionals.

“I believe I will gain experience, viewpoints, and valuable connections,” she said. However, she pointed out a challenge: project management is still relatively unknown in Rwanda. “When you tell someone you study project management, many don’t understand what it is. That lack of awareness discourages students and makes it harder to break into the job market.”

Development Bank Endorsement

The importance of professionalism in project delivery was echoed by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.

“The Bank’s work is done through projects that transform lives across Africa,” he said. “Well-managed projects bring hope to communities, improve livelihoods, and create a more prosperous future.”

Building Africa’s Capacity

The Kigali summit, which runs until August 21, has drawn participants from across sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as a platform to showcase Africa’s growing capacity to plan, manage, and monitor impactful projects, while also pushing for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions.

As the sessions continue, the central message remains clear: Africa’s future depends not only on ambitious projects but also on the ability to execute them effectively and sustainably.