PMI Sub-Saharan Africa managing director George Asamani /HANDOUT

African countries must be intentional on infrastructure development amid a huge financing shortfall of as much as $108 billion (Sh13.9 trillion), against an estimated $170 billion (Sh220.1 trillion)  annual need, experts now say.

This comes amid Africa’s growing wave of infrastructure investment and innovation with the Project Management Institute (PMI) convening the continent’s most influential voices at the Global Summit Series Africa, driving urgent, collective action to redefine how projects deliver impact and value.

To he held at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda between August 19 and 21, the Summit is designed for senior project professionals, C-suite executives, government officials, development partners and emerging project talent committed to driving transformation across Africa.

As Africa contends with intersecting challenges, from climate change and infrastructure gaps to job creation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, there is a critical need to recalibrate how projects are initiated, managed and delivered across the continent, PMI said.

It notes that project success can no longer be measured solely by timelines or budgets met. In today’s context, success must also be evaluated by how well a project enhances resilience, drives inclusive growth, unlocks sustainable innovation, and creates lasting social value, it said.

“Africa’s project economy remains vibrant yet vulnerable,” said George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa.

 “The African Development Bank estimates the continent needs up to $170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, with a financing shortfall of as much as $108 billion. With so much at stake, project management cannot be an afterthought; it is key to delivery. As countries advance infrastructure, digital and social programmes, the demand for skilled professionals is more urgent than ever.

The Global Summit Series Africa responds to this urgency, Asamani said.

“This is not just a moment to gather, it is a moment to grow and guide. It is where knowledge meets practice and where bold voices converge to ask and answer: How can Africa execute differently?”

This year’s lineup showcases the strength of pan-African leadership, from the corridors of government to the frontlines of innovation. These voices are not only driving transformation within their own countries but also offering continental perspectives with global relevance.

A highlight of the Summit will be a special message from outgoing African Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina, who has long championed the role of project execution in unlocking Africa’s prosperity.

This call for purposeful execution resonates across sectors. Senior executives from utilities, banking, education and telecommunications, as well as influential voices from sports and music, will take the stage to share hard-won insights on building future-fit institutions, creative industries and systems that deliver lasting impact.

“In Africa, the stakes are high; projects must deliver tangible outcomes, often under complex conditions. That is why the Summit matters. It brings together professionals who understand our realities and are focused on delivery that works in our context,’ said Billy Mwape, CIO of FNB Zambia, one of the main speakers.

PMI Chapter Presidents from Kenya, Angola, Togo, Ghana, and Namibia will join PMI Rwanda Chapter President Innocent Kayigamba in contributing to the dialogue.