PMI Honors Africa’s Emerging Leaders at 2025 Awards Ceremony
In a landmark event held during the PMI® Global Summit in Phoenix, Arizona, the Project Management Institute (PMI) recognized outstanding leaders in the field with the announcement of the winners of the 2025 PMI® Awards. This ceremony underlines the significant influence of Sub-Saharan Africa on the global project management landscape.
2025 PMI® Awards: Celebrating African Excellence
The awards highlighted the achievements of four remarkable individuals and organizations from Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa. These leaders showcased their exceptional capabilities in driving change across various sectors and communities.
- Marco Romero from Angola received the 2025 PMI® Rising Leader Award. This accolade is reserved for early-career professionals who significantly impact the field.
- MTN Ghana Project Management Office (PMO) was named Africa PMO of the Year for its strategic alignment and exceptional execution.
- Stéphanie-Laure Zoro from PMI Côte d’Ivoire was honored with the PMI® Chapter Leadership Impact Award for her contributions to the project management community.
- The Greenpoint Educational Dome in South Africa received an Honourable Mention in the Social Project category for promoting environmental awareness.
Marco Romero: A Rising Star in Project Management
Marco Romero, the global winner of the 2025 PMI® Rising Leader Award, exemplifies the spirit of innovation in Africa. He has made significant strides in advancing Angola’s space ecosystem. As a specialist in ballistic and navigation satellite operations, he leads programs that combine science and technology with project management.
Romero’s initiatives include launching two stratospheric balloons in November 2025 and mentoring students involved in the project, demonstrating how effective project management can turn ambitious ideas into reality.
MTN Ghana: A Model of PMO Excellence
The MTN Ghana PMO was lauded as the Africa PMO of the Year, a testament to its role in incorporating large-scale technology projects with business strategies. This recognition illustrates Ghana’s growing prominence in project management and positions MTN as a leader in operational excellence.
Recognizing Leadership in Côte d’Ivoire
Stéphanie-Laure Zoro received accolades for her exceptional leadership within the PMI Côte d’Ivoire Chapter. Her efforts enhance collaboration and mentorship within the West African project management community, nurturing future professionals.
Promotion of Sustainability in South Africa
The Greenpoint Educational Dome in South Africa, which earned an Honourable Mention, showcases a commitment to sustainability and educational access. Its innovative design highlights the potential of project management in supporting community development.
A Bright Future for Project Management in Africa
The achievements celebrated at the 2025 PMI® Awards reflect a broader transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Project management is increasingly recognized as a key driver of national development and youth empowerment.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank, emphasized that African project professionals are delivering world-class results, positioning the continent as a leader in global project execution. PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap 2025 report indicates a need for 2.1 million project professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2035, reflecting a 75% increase in demand.
The future of project management looks bright, with sustained growth expected in this vital field. As organizations and initiatives thrive, Africa is primed to become a significant contributor to global project management excellence.
