As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries worldwide, the Project Management Institute (PMI) Nigeria Chapter commemorated its 20th anniversary with a high-level conference addressing how project managers can navigate digital transformation in Africa’s evolving landscape.
Held from June 18 to 20, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the conference adopted the forward-thinking theme: “Navigating the Digital Age – AI and Project Management in Africa’s Changing Landscape.” The gathering attracted professionals from across sectors, all focused on embracing AI to enhance project delivery, strategy, and efficiency.
Reimagining Project Leadership in a Digital Era
A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by the global board chair of PMI, who emphasized the imperative for project professionals to adopt AI technologies. He noted that project managers who fail to embrace these tools risk being left behind by those who leverage them to drive better outcomes.
“AI is no longer optional in project management,” he stressed. “It is the edge that enables teams to automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and deliver greater value.”
Also featured was the Chief Technical Officer of a leading telecom provider, who presented real-world examples of how AI is being used to optimize networks and carry out predictive maintenance, demonstrating tangible cost savings and performance improvements in large-scale operations.
Sector-Wide Engagement and AI Integration
Human resources and financial experts also shared how AI is reshaping workforce planning and project evaluation. One speaker detailed how her organization has adopted generative AI tools across its African operations to streamline project functions, from talent acquisition to data analysis.
She also underscored the need for government involvement in advancing AI infrastructure and innovation, calling for policies that encourage digital transformation and inclusivity on the continent.
Critical Panel Discussions Drive Deeper Insight
Two robust panel sessions engaged the audience in discussions around AI’s impact on project execution and leadership in complex environments.
The first panel explored digital transformation in project management, with participants from both the public and private sectors, including the central banking and finance industries. They examined how emerging technologies can be embedded into existing systems to improve delivery timelines and stakeholder communication.
The second session focused on leadership dynamics in Nigeria’s multifaceted workplace, touching on the often unseen emotional and managerial pressures faced by professionals. Speakers from energy regulation, international development, and consulting shared strategies for managing diverse teams and adapting leadership approaches in an AI-augmented environment.
Looking Ahead: Adapting for a Digital Future
The conference made clear that the intersection of AI and project management is not a distant possibility, but an ongoing reality. It reinforced the need for African professionals, institutions, and governments to work together to harness AI not just as a tool, but as a driver of innovation, inclusion, and transformation.
As PMI Nigeria enters its third decade, the call to action is clear: adapt, innovate, and lead in a digital-first future.
