Stakeholders in the project management industry across Africa have called on young people to acquire project management skills to complement their university degrees. The call was made in a statement by George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, and Dr. Sanele W. Nhlabatsi, Senior Lecturer in Project Management at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Scale of the Challenge
Africa has the world's youngest and fastest-growing population, with over 400 million people aged 15-35. By 2040, the continent is expected to have the largest workforce globally. However, tertiary enrolment remains around 9 percent, far below the global average of 38 percent. Despite growth in university enrolment, higher education capacity struggles to keep pace with demographic demand. Some estimates suggest capacity would need to expand nearly twelvefold by 2035.
Expectation Crisis
Dr. Nhlabatsi highlighted a crisis of expectation: many African families place a high premium on university education, viewing a degree as a pathway to better job prospects, higher income, and social mobility. However, this belief has become a burden. When university is seen as the only route to success, young people who cannot gain admission feel as though they have lost their future.
George Asamani acknowledged the importance of strong universities and continued investment, but stressed the need to confront a hard truth: limited access and a single-pathway mindset amplify pressure, anxiety, and a sense of failure among youth navigating a highly competitive system with high demand and limited supply.
In South Africa, the situation is stark: for the 2026 academic year, public universities could only offer about 235,000 first-year places, while over 245,000 candidates obtained bachelor-level passes in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. This leaves at least 10,000 young people without a place. At private universities, the gap is even wider, with over 100,000 applications for fewer than 10,000 spots.
Outdated Narrative
Dr. Nhlabatsi noted that societal pressure has led generations to believe university admission is the primary proof of potential, with anything else seen as second best. This narrative is out of step with the global economy, which is shaped by volatility, rapid technological change, and uncertainty. The future demands flexibility, especially as advances in artificial intelligence reshape work. Traditional knowledge-based careers are giving way to a skills-based economy, where individuals apply expertise across multiple projects and dynamic environments.
Project Management as an Alternative
Asamani recommended project management as a viable alternative. Young people can build a career through certifications straight out of high school. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an early-career professional certification that can open doors to employability or entrepreneurial opportunities.
