Volunteering: Africa's Underrated Career Accelerator, Says PMI's George Asamani
George Asamani, the Managing Director of Project Management Institute (PMI) for Sub-Saharan Africa, has emphasized that volunteering represents one of the most powerful yet overlooked pathways to professional advancement across the continent. In a recent statement, Asamani challenged the common perception of volunteering as merely an act of goodwill, arguing instead that it serves as a critical accelerator for building capability, credibility, and leadership skills.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employability
Asamani pointed out that April, recognized as Global Volunteer Month, offers a timely opportunity to reevaluate this misunderstood practice, particularly in emerging markets like Africa. He highlighted a persistent disconnect between education and employability, noting that according to the African Development Bank, 10 to 12 million young Africans enter the job market annually. Despite this influx, employers consistently report gaps in experience, problem-solving abilities, and leadership readiness among candidates.
The core issue is not a shortage of talent, but rather a lack of practical exposure, Asamani explained. Traditional career trajectories, which often depend on hierarchical advancement within organizations, frequently fail to provide the diverse experiences required in today's rapidly evolving economy.
Intentional Volunteering as a Solution
Asamani asserted that volunteering, when approached with clear intention, can effectively close this experience gap. It places individuals in real-world scenarios where they assume genuine responsibilities, mirroring the pressures of formal roles without the typical delays associated with waiting for such opportunities. This is especially relevant for early and mid-career professionals seeking to accelerate their growth.
He cited PMI's own global community as an example, where nearly 18,000 volunteers contribute to initiatives that shape professional practices and enhance capabilities. In volunteer settings, people often step into leadership roles much earlier, Asamani noted. They manage projects, collaborate with teams, engage stakeholders, and navigate challenges as part of their daily experience, fostering accelerated development that is difficult to achieve within more rigid organizational structures.
Addressing Financial Concerns and Long-Term Value
While the absence of financial compensation is frequently cited as a deterrent to volunteering—a valid concern in contexts with real economic pressures—Asamani cautioned against a narrow view of value. The benefits of volunteering, though not always immediate, are substantial and compounding over time.
Volunteering builds distinctive experience that sets professionals apart, creates valuable networks that open doors, and demonstrates proven ability to lead and deliver results, he emphasized. These advantages accumulate, offering long-term career dividends that far outweigh short-term financial considerations.
Asamani's insights underscore volunteering as a strategic tool for professional development in Africa, urging a shift in perspective from seeing it as mere charity to recognizing it as a viable career accelerator in a competitive job market.
