The Project Management Institute (PMI) has called on African governments, including Nigeria, to prioritise efficient project execution in response to a $555 million reduction in United States contributions to the African Development Fund (ADF).
George Asamani, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at PMI, issued the warning on Tuesday, stating that the cut poses a significant threat to infrastructure development across the continent. He stressed that without drastic improvements in how projects are planned and executed, African nations risk losing critical investments and derailing development goals.
The ADF, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank (AfDB), supports low-income African countries with grants and low-interest loans. The US, one of its largest contributors, slashed its planned funding as part of the 2025 federal budget adjustments, citing competing domestic priorities.
This funding cut comes at a time when Africa is grappling with reduced global aid. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported a 2.7% decline in official development assistance to Africa, as donors redirect funds amid rising global economic pressures and post-pandemic recovery demands.
According to Asamani, the current environment of shrinking aid underscores the urgent need for African governments to adopt professional project management frameworks that will improve the delivery and sustainability of infrastructure projects.
“In Africa, where public debt levels are already placing pressure on national budgets, enhancing project execution is essential to ensure that infrastructure investments deliver their intended outcomes without increasing national debt,” he said.
The PMI chief observed that Africa loses an estimated 10% of its infrastructure investment to project inefficiencies, such as cost overruns, delays, and mismanagement—issues that can be significantly reduced through improved project delivery systems and capacity-building.
In Nigeria, public sector projects often suffer from delays, abandoned works, budget inflation, and poor quality, challenges largely tied to limited technical expertise, institutional weaknesses, and high staff turnover in key government ministries and agencies.
Asamani recommended that governments make sustained investments in training and retaining certified project professionals within their ministries. He said this would not only increase the effectiveness of public spending but also enhance transparency, public trust, and investor confidence.
“Better project execution translates to better service delivery, stronger economic outcomes, and more jobs—especially crucial in Africa where the youth population is rapidly growing,” Asamani noted.
He urged African leaders to treat project management capability as a strategic economic asset, rather than just an administrative function. According to him, strong execution skills are essential for translating foreign assistance, private investment, and public funds into real development outcomes.
“By prioritising execution excellence, governments can navigate the challenges posed by reduced aid and ensure that infrastructure investments contribute to sustainable development and economic prosperity,” he said.
