With the aim to strengthen staff capacity in project management, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has entered into a partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading authority in project management. This will see an initial cohort of 200 AfDB staff enrolled in a structured project management training and certification programme, which will equip them with advanced project management skills to foster greater efficiency and success across the bank’s extensive portfolio of development projects.
George Asamani, MD, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa, with Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.
Through this partnership, the AfDB is looking to accelerate the development of its project management expertise. By empowering an initial cohort of trained professionals, the bank intends to create a culture that prioritises excellence and effective project execution – one that, if expanded, could amplify the impact and success of transformative initiatives across the continent.
With its focus on delivering transformative projects, robust project management practices are essential for the AfDB to handle the complexities inherent in each priority area, mitigate risks, and maximise project success. Strong project management underpins the bank's mission to drive progress across Africa, empowering regional member countries to achieve their development goals.
The PMI will play a critical role in supporting this mission by enhancing the ‘bankability’ of projects, sharing the skills to ensure they are well executed and deliver measurable impact.
"As the field of project management evolves, partnering with the PMI will enable the bank to access the latest methodologies, including the institute’s advances in AI-driven project management tools. This collaboration will position the AfDB at the forefront of best practice, empowering teams to tackle complex, large-scale projects with enhanced adaptability, agility, and the assurance of delivering measurable outcomes aligned with the bank's ambitious development goals," says George Asamani, MD, Sub Saharan Africa, PMI.
The PMI will deliver a comprehensive training programme tailored to the AfDB's operational needs, beginning with PMI membership for 200 AfDB employees. Membership will grant staff access to the PMI's extensive global network, resources, tools, and industry insights, supporting professional growth and connection within the broader project management community.
The PMI's Authorised Training Partner will deliver a structured training and certification programme to equip AfDB staff with essential, industry-relevant project management skills. The PMI will administer the exams, and successful candidates will earn the ‘gold-standard’ Project Management Professional (PMP) certification issued by institute.
"The PMI is honoured to partner with the African Development Bank as its work aligns closely with our purpose to maximise project success to elevate our world,“ Asamani adds. “We are excited to support the bank in achieving its ambitions agenda for Africa’s sustainable development by equipping its practitioners with the skills to lead high-impact projects, deliver value, and strengthen economies across the continent."
Given the continent-wide scope of its projects, the AfDB recognises that skills levels across markets vary significantly. By investing in its staff's project management capabilities, the bank seeks to mitigate risks, reduce project delays, and maximise value. Through the partnership with the PMI, the AfDB aims to achieve a higher standard of project execution that will serve as a benchmark for development projects across the continent.
Under the leadership of Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, the bank has consistently emphasised the importance of building internal capacity to ensure effective project delivery. Dr Adesina’s steadfast advocacy for strengthening project management capabilities has been instrumental in shaping the bank's strategic approach to tackling development challenges. This partnership with the PMI reflects his commitment to empowering teams with the skills needed to deliver transformative projects that drive sustainable growth across Africa.
For more information visit: www.pmi.org