The Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa of Project Management Institute, PMI, George Asamani, has called for investment in technology education and training programmes of young people to build their project management capabilities, for both social impact and business success.
In a statement sent to Vanguard, Asamani said, “By harnessing technology, young people can create ventures that balance profit with purpose, addressing global challenges while generating economic value.”
He said, “Young people are at the forefront of innovation and creativity in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 80% of those aged 15 to 24 used the Internet in 2023, surpassing other age groups. Universality, defined as more than 95% internet use, was reached in this age group before Covid-19 in high-income and upper-middle-income economies.
“Even in low-income countries, young people are almost twice as likely to use the Internet compared to other demographics. This digital adoption empowers the youth to become innovators, creators, and problem solvers,” Asamani said.
“As digital technologies evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool that can enhance project management. AI has the potential to revolutionise project management by automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and optimising decision-making processes.
“For young digital pioneers, leveraging AI in project management can further amplify their impact and drive innovation. PMI recognises AI’s transformative potential and is actively integrating it into its offerings and empowering project professionals in using GenAI through initiatives like PMI Infinity and the new Prompt Library.
“He added, “Many startups have emerged from this generation, transforming industries and redefining how businesses operate in the digital age.
“Notable young entrepreneurs like Ham Serunjogi, Hugo Obi, Dylan Field, Evan Wallace, Markus Villig, Henrique Dubugras, Pedro Franceschi, and Alexandr Wang may not be household names, but their groundbreaking ventures—Chipper Cash, Maliyo Games, Figma, Bolt, Brex, and Scale AI—certainly are” Asamani stated.
SOURCE: VANGUARD