Abuja: The Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and Junior Achievement (JA) Africa have announced a significant partnership aimed at equipping African youth with essential project management skills. The initiative is set to provide over 240,000 learning experiences for young people, transforming their ideas into viable enterprises and their ambitions into actionable plans.
According to African Press Organization, the initiative, named "Elevating Project Management in Youth Ecosystems- Phase II," is scheduled to roll out between 2025 and 2028. Its primary goal is to empower young Africans, fostering their personal and professional growth by providing them with project management skills. This initiative aims to create a lasting impact on the lives and communities of young individuals in countries including Côte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The program also includes a component for adults such as educators, volunteers, and JA staff, with plans to train 1,800 adults over the course of three years. Local PMI members will play a crucial role as facilitators and mentors, sharing their practical expertise and experience to enrich the training sessions.
Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, highlighted the importance of this strategic partnership, emphasizing that project management is a critical skill for the future. The collaboration with PMIEF aims to integrate these skills into the mindset and practices of young Africans, enabling them to think, plan, lead, and execute effectively.
PMIEF's Executive Director, Ashley Forsyth, expressed the foundation's honor in partnering with JA Africa, noting the transformative potential when young individuals learn to manage projects effectively. This capability not only aids in business creation but also in shaping sustainable futures.
As International Youth Day approaches, the collaboration between JA Africa and PMIEF serves as a testament to the importance of investing in young people by providing them with the necessary skills, structure, and support to succeed in their endeavors.