The Managing Director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute, George Asamani has revealed that 60 per cent of start-ups failed because of poor project management.

He said this quoting Exploding Topics who revealed that up to 90 per cent of startups fail, with more than 60 per cent of these failures attributable to factors directly or indirectly linked to poor project management, like overspending, scope creep, team dynamics, and lack of communication, amongst others.

Asamani noted that project management is the discipline of planning, organising, and overseeing the successful completion of projects which involves setting clear objectives, allocating resources, managing risks, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

“It is a strategic discipline that can make the difference between a startup that thrives and one that fails. A startup built on a solid project management framework is also better equipped to align its operations with broader social and environmental goals. Ventures like M-Kopa and Andela exemplify this approach, contributing effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals. M-Kopa’s affordable solar solutions combat climate change by providing access to clean energy, while Andela’s tech training programs empower youth in Africa, promoting quality education and decent work.”

He also stated that young people are at the forefront of innovation and creativity in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 80 per cent of those aged 15 to 24 used the Internet in 2023, surpassing other age groups.

“Universality, defined as more than 95 per cent internet use was reached in this age group before Covid-19 in high-income and upper-middle-income economies. Even in low-income countries, young people are almost twice as likely to use the Internet compared to other demographics. This digital adoption empowers the youth to become innovators, creators, and problem solvers.”