The Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Summit Series will convene in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 14-15, 2026. This event follows a successful gathering in Kigali, Rwanda. Over 1,000 project professionals, industry leaders, and government officials attended the Kigali summit.
The Cape Town summit will focus on improving project delivery and fostering innovation across Africa. George Asamani, Managing Director for PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that Africa's progress stems from collaboration. Regional groups like ECOWAS and SADC, and initiatives such as the AfCFTA, demonstrate this. The summit theme is 'Africa Delivers M.O.R.E Together'. M.O.R.E. stands for managing perceptions, owning success, responding to change, and expanding focus. This theme encourages professionals to look beyond simple project execution.
Africa faces a significant challenge in transforming potential into realized projects. Leaders from the African Development Bank (AfDB) noted last year that the continent lacks bankable projects. These are well-prepared opportunities that can attract funding. This issue hinders economic growth and development. The summit aims to bridge this gap by facilitating discussions on project preparation and investment.
A critical component of successful project delivery is a skilled workforce. According to PMI's Talent Gap report, global demand for project professionals will rise sharply. The report projects a need for 30 million more professionals by 2035. In Sub-Saharan Africa, this demand could increase by up to 75%. This indicates a substantial talent deficiency that needs urgent attention. The summit will explore strategies to build this much-needed project management capacity.
Last year's summit in Kigali featured prominent figures. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, then President of the AfDB, stressed the importance of project impact. Speakers included representatives from AfDB, Zipline Rwanda, and the Government of Zambia. Global experts like Dr. Moses Adoko from NASA also participated. Academics from the University of Rwanda and UNISA shared insights. These discussions provided practical advice on managing complex projects.
The Cape Town summit will build on these conversations. Attendees will learn about tools for managing large-scale projects. They will also explore how artificial intelligence can benefit African infrastructure. Networking opportunities will connect participants with leading project delivery experts. Mr. Asamani emphasized that project success now extends beyond timelines and budgets. It includes economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life.
Registrations for the summit are now open. Early-bird discounts are available until May 12, 2026. This event marks a decade of the PMI Global Summit Series’ presence in the region. The first edition was held in Johannesburg. The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town shows significant growth and impact.