PMIEF: Building the Africans

Cultivating a "Can Do" Culture

PMI Social Impact Initiative

PMI Educational Foundation

Africa is home to the world's largest and fastest-growing youth population. With over 60% of its population under 25, the continent's youthful demographic is a harbinger of potential and promise for a prosperous future.

While many Asian and European economies face challenges posed by an aging workforce, Africa's "generational gain" offers a unique opportunity to drive global growth.

The Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) plays a crucial role in harnessing this potential by equipping young Africans with project management skills. Strategic partnerships with key organizations like CARE International, African Leadership Academy (ALA), and Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) amplify PMIEF's impact in Africa.

3.5 Million

Young people reached by PMIEF programs in 2024

578,000

Youth in sub-Saharan Africa reached by PMIEF in 2024

60%

Of Africa’s population is under the age of 25

Case Study: CARE International

CARE International's mission to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice aligns seamlessly with PMIEF's goal of empowering youth. Beginning in 2024, PMIEF and CARE International have collaborated to reach youth in Tanzania and Zimbabwe through initiatives like the Youth Savings and Loan Associations (YSLAs).

The program equips out-of-school youth with essential project management skills to identify and pursue income-generating activities or community-based service projects. Additionally, the partnership extends to counseling and guidance classes that focus on mental health, holistic wellness, and life planning.

Impact and Results

The partnership between PMIEF and CARE International impacted 416,000 youth in 2024 alone, with 710,000 youth expected to benefit throughout the grant cycle.

Case Study: Junior Achievement Africa

JA Africa inspires and prepares young Africans to succeed in a global economy. A legacy partner of PMIEF, JA Africa has implemented programs that focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and project management. The partnership has empowered youth across the continent to become future leaders and entrepreneurs.

Through collaboration with PMIEF, JA Africa has developed programs that equip young Africans with essential skills to thrive in today's competitive environment. The key initiatives include the Company Program, focusing on building global leaders by equipping youth with the tools and knowledge necessary to start and run their own businesses, and the Social Equity Program, designed for underserved youth. This program emphasizes entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness.

Impact and Results

Since 2020, the partnership between PMIEF and Junior Achievement (JA) has impacted between 70,000 and 80,000 youth across Africa, with a renewed partnership for 2025–2028. The collaboration has benefitted youth in multiple countries, including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

We are grateful to PMIEF for believing in the JA Company Program as a potent solution to Africa’s rising unemployment predicament and further integrating project management into the curriculum to help young people strategize and execute their own enterprises...We are proud to provide this opportunity for the youth of Rwanda to prepare them for the opportunities entrepreneurship brings.
Simi Nwogugu
CEO, JA Africa

Case Study: African Leadership Academy

African Leadership Academy (ALA) actively commits to transforming Africa by developing a network of young leaders equipped to tackle the continent's most pressing challenges. Partnering with PMIEF since 2021, ALA has made significant strides in empowering youth through its innovative programs focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and project management.

In collaboration with PMIEF, ALA has introduced programs to foster leadership and entrepreneurship among African youth. The main initiatives include the:

  • Accelerators Program, which focuses on developing leadership skills and project management capabilities, allowing youth to implement impactful community projects and business ideas,
  • BUILD Program, which equips participants with the skills needed to identify opportunities, create business solutions, and lead successful ventures.

Impact and Results

The partnership, which will continue until 2025, is projected to impact 6,500 youth throughout the grant cycle. This collaboration focuses on infusing project management into ALA's Accelerators and BUILD Programs, which aim to develop global leaders through leadership, entrepreneurship, and project management, serving youth across 32 countries in Africa.

ATP Partnerships and Chapter Volunteers

PMIEF has also partnered with two of the continent’s leading Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)–Afrissance, MAT Abacus Business School and PM.Ideas.

  • PM.Ideas facilitated Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) training for ALA and CARE staff members, as well as training JA Africa staff.
  • Afrissance conducted project management training for JA staff in Nigeria and led several youth-focused sessions.

PMI chapters across 16+ countries in sub-Saharan Africa also play a key role in facilitating our programs, nurturing relationships with local YSNPs, and showing unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. A standout example is the collaboration between PMI Zimbabwe Chapter and JA Zimbabwe, which led to the latter winning the prestigious De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award in 2023—the first time an African school has ever received this honour.

The connections and exposure you gave us at PMI were priceless. We've been implementing the project management skills we learned. We could never be more grateful. I'm really excited about this year's competition; it’s a great platform to show the world how talented Africans are.
Blessing
Winner of the 2023 De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award