Three African Projects Make PMI’s Most Influential List, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

By: Cynthia Masibo

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has announced its 2024 Most Influential Projects, celebrating groundbreaking efforts across various industries. Among the 20 global honorees, three remarkable projects from Sub-Saharan Africa have been highlighted for their impact, contributing significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The African projects recognized—Africa’s Largest Kitchen, Life-Changing Cash Transfers, and the Energy Subscription Program—demonstrate the continent’s commitment to addressing critical social and environmental challenges. Each project has not only achieved notable milestones in the past 18 months but also reflects the power of project management to drive transformative social change.

Africa’s Largest Kitchen, spearheaded by Food4Education, tackles food insecurity in Kenya by providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren. This initiative aligns directly with SDG 2: Zero Hunger. By ensuring that over 100,000 children receive meals daily, the project addresses both the short-term nutritional needs and the long-term educational outcomes of students who are better able to focus on their studies.

Life-Changing Cash Transfers, an initiative by GiveDirectly, empowers vulnerable communities by providing direct cash transfers. This project allows recipients to meet essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education. It supports SDG 1: No Poverty by fostering economic resilience and autonomy in underserved areas. As recipients are given the freedom to allocate resources as needed, the initiative has sparked conversations about sustainable, dignified forms of aid.

The third project, the Energy Subscription Program under the Beyond The Grid Fund for Africa, advances SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The program expands access to renewable energy in underserved communities, providing households and businesses with affordable energy solutions. By improving energy access, the project also contributes to economic development, creating new opportunities for growth in these areas.

In a statement, George Asamani, PMI’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the innovative approaches of these projects. “Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainable development, we are seeing real progress in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges,” said Asamani. “This year’s Most Influential Projects demonstrate the tremendous potential of project management to not only meet strategic goals but also to drive meaningful social change.”

Since the introduction of the SDGs in 2015, efforts to address global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change have accelerated. However, according to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, only 17% of SDG targets are currently on track. PMI’s research highlights the role of project management in reversing this trend, noting that projects incorporating social benefits are more likely to succeed.

Beyond the African projects, PMI’s list also includes innovative global initiatives, such as The 1 Billion Tree Project from Mongolia and the Wolbachia Mosquitoes Release Program, addressing climate change and public health challenges, respectively. These projects serve as a testament to the global impact of well-managed projects that align with the SDGs.

In addition to the top honorees, several other African projects received honorable mentions, including The Samburu Project, which enhances access to clean water in Kenya, and the Vision Impact Project, improving eye care across underserved region.