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% of those aged 15 to 24 used the Internet in 2023, surpassing other age groups. Universality, defined as more than 95% 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.
Referred to as “digital natives,” millennials and subsequent generations have grown up with technology at their fingertips, enabling them to seamlessly integrate it into every aspect of their lives. This inherent comfort with digital tools has inspired a wave of startups in areas such as app development, e-commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, and social media. Many startups have emerged from this generation, transforming industries and redefining how businesses operate in the digital age.
Notable young entrepreneurs like Ham Serunjogi, Hugo Obi, Dylan Field, Evan Wallace, Markus Villig, Henrique Dubugras, Pedro Franceschi, and Alexandr Wang may not be household names, but their groundbreaking ventures—Chipper Cash, Maliyo Games, Figma, Bolt, Brex, and Scale AI—certainly are.
However, success in the digital age requires more than visionary ideas and venture capital. Many startups with promising beginnings, such as Clinkle, Beepi, and, closer to home, Mocality and Afrostream, serve as cautionary tales. These examples remind us that without disciplined execution, robust project management, and a clear understanding of the market, even the most innovative startups risk becoming footnotes in the history of entrepreneurship.
Technology is akin to Play-Doh. It offers boundless possibilities, allowing us to create, innovate, and solve problems. However, technology alone isn’t enough, and much like the mould that shapes Play-Doh into meaningful forms, startups need project management to transform ideas into viable projects.
According to Exploding Topics, up to 90% of startups fail, with more than 60% 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. Project management is the discipline of planning, organising, and overseeing the successful completion of projects. It 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.
As digital technologies evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool that can enhance project management. AI has the potential to revolutionise project management by automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and optimising decision-making processes. For young digital pioneers, leveraging AI in project management can further amplify their impact and drive innovation. PMI recognises AI’s transformative potential and is actively integrating it into its offerings and empowering project professionals in using GenAI through initiatives like PMI Infinity™ and the new Prompt Library.
By harnessing technology, young people can create ventures that balance profit with purpose, addressing global challenges while generating economic value. To achieve this vision, we must invest in education and training programs to build their project management capabilities, equipping them to leverage technology for both social impact and business success.
George Asamani, MD, Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute
