A severe shortage of project professionals could jeopardize global economic growth, according to a new report from the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Global Project Management Talent Gap report reveals that 29.8 million new project professionals will be needed by 2035 to meet rising demand a gap that risks delaying infrastructure development, digital transformation, and economic progress worldwide.
Today, nearly 40 million project professionals form a critical part of the global workforce outnumbering software developers (25 million) and rivaling the number of nurses (30 million). Yet as economies navigate uncertainty, disruption, and rapid technological change, the demand for skilled project leaders is accelerating, particularly in high-growth regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China.
“Our world is in flux: economically, politically, environmentally,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President and CEO of PMI. “Change only happens through successful projects. This is a defining moment for our profession. We need millions more project professionals not just to fill roles, but to lead, innovate, and turn bold ideas into sustainable outcomes. The talent gap isn’t just a workforce challenge it’s a barrier to global progress.”
The report highlights urgent regional and sector-specific challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa will require 4.6 million project professionals by 2035 a 75% increase from today’s 2.6 million. Meanwhile, China, South Asia, and other emerging economies are driving demand through large-scale infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Industries like construction, manufacturing, IT services, and healthcare face particularly acute shortages, with demand for project talent expected to rise by up to 66%. In contrast, mature economies such as North America and Europe struggle with aging workforces and stagnant talent pipelines.
Addressing the crisis will require expanded professional training, globally recognized certifications like PMI’s PMP, and stronger collaboration between governments, universities, and businesses. Reskilling workers from declining industries could also help bridge the gap.
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“In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, we face a shortfall of 2 million project professionals,” said George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “Bridging this gap demands investment in education, certification, and partnerships to ensure Africa’s workforce can deliver on its ambitious projects.”
The World Economic Forum’s ,Future of Jobs Report 2025, ranks project management as the 12th fastest-growing profession globally, reinforcing its vital role in business transformation. Organizations that invest in project talent today will gain a competitive edge, while those that lag risk falling behind.
These findings will be a key focus at the PMI Global Summit Series Africa in Kigali, Rwanda (August 19-21, 2025), where industry leaders will explore solutions to the talent crisis.
For over 50 years, the Project Management Institute (PMI) has been a global leader in project management, empowering professionals and organizations through certifications, training, and thought leadership.
