Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is emerging as a regional leader in construction project management certification despite having a comparatively small number of certified project managers, a development that experts say is enabling the country to implement major national projects.
Speaking during International Project Management (IPM) Day commemorations in Bulawayo yesterday, Project Management Institute of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) vice president Mr John Seriwa said the country’s progress in construction project management training shows significant potential despite the fact that the pool of certified professionals remains limited.
“Zimbabwe still has fewer certified professionals but the good news is that the country is leading in construction project management certification,” said Mr Seriwa.
He said there is a skills gap and the way forward is to collaborate with Government to build capacity by training more project managers.
Mr Seriwa said project management is central to transforming the country’s strategic blueprints — the NDS1 and NDS2 — into visible development outcomes.
He noted that NDS1 and NDS2 are, by their very nature, project management frameworks.
“Without strong project management, even well-designed national strategies risk delays, budget overruns, or failure to deliver intended benefits hence the need to train more project managers,” said Mr Seriwa.
International Project Management Day is celebrated globally to recognise the work of professionals responsible for delivering complex projects. This year’s national theme, “Project Leadership and Agile”, highlights the need for adaptable leadership in an evolving economic environment.
Mr Seriwa said IPMZ, working with authorised training partners, is intensifying efforts to train project managers who meet regional and global standards.
One of the newly certified project managers, Engineer Abel Makiwa, said earning the postgraduate qualification was demanding but rewarding.“It was a very tough one. This is a high-level programme that ideally should be spread over two years. The dissertation was the most challenging part, especially with the tight deadlines we had,” he said.
IPMZ chief executive officer Mr Peter Banda said building a strong cadre of project managers begins with consistent training at all levels.
He said the development of a project manager starts with training, whether at elementary or advanced level, noting that their role is to integrate all levels of professionals, from students to experienced industry practitioners.
“As an institute we accommodate students from universities and professionals who are already experienced in industry as they all require project management training,” said Mr Banda.
He said more than 200 project managers were trained this year demonstrating rising interest in formal project management skills.
