Today, on International Project Management Day, we join the global PMI community in celebrating the professionals and volunteers whose skills in Project Management, Leadership, and Agility drive transformation in workplaces and communities across the world.
This year’s theme, “The Power Trio: Project, Leadership, and Agile,” highlights how mastering the blend of structure, people-first leadership, and adaptive strategies is essential to thriving in a fast-changing world. It is this same blend of excellence that JA Africa celebrates through its collaboration with the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF), a partnership that equips young Africans with the mindset, tools, and confidence to lead with clarity, compassion, and creativity.
The Power of Project Management
Across JA Africa’s network, PMI volunteers bring the Power Trio to life by mentoring students, sharing real-world experience, and helping them apply project management principles to entrepreneurship and leadership. Through this collaboration, young people are learning not just how to start businesses, but how to lead teams, adapt to change, and execute their ideas with precision.
From guiding JA Company Program participants to plan sustainable ventures, to mentoring students during innovation camps and bootcamps, PMIEF volunteers are shaping Africa’s future leaders. Their mentorship demonstrates how global expertise, when combined with local passion, can unlock the potential of an entire generation.
Volunteer Spotlights
Meet Pamela Nabisaalu, Project and Change Management Consultant, Uganda
For Pamela, volunteering with JA Africa through PMIEF was driven by her belief in the power of early empowerment and education. “As a project management professional, I’ve seen how planning, leadership, and knowledge can transform lives,” she says. Serving as a judge at the 15th Junior Achievers Company of the Year Competition reaffirmed that belief as she watched students’ creativity and teamwork come alive. To her, project management bridges vision and action, helping youth transform ideas into real impact. Pamela describes JA Africa students in one word: Unstoppable.
Meet Khema Nagloo, Customer Service Manager - Mauritius
Khema’s decision to volunteer with JA Africa through PMIEF stems from a deep desire to serve her community and empower the next generation. “Sharing project management knowledge helps youth build confidence, leadership, and future-ready skills,” she says. Her favorite memory is watching students at an Expo showcase their projects with passion and teamwork. “Seeing their creativity come to life was inspiring.” Khema believes project management helps young Africans plan, think critically, and create sustainable solutions. She calls JA students simply Inspiring.
Meet Kansiime Lydia, Construction Manager – Uganda
Lydia’s motivation is rooted in a personal commitment to guide others in ways she herself once needed guidance. As a judge at the 2025 JA Africa Company of the Year Competition, she saw how structured project planning gives students a higher chance of success. “Project management helps them follow through with clarity and confidence,” she says. Her message to Africa’s youth is bold: “Your contribution to African homegrown solutions is what the world is waiting for. Go for it!” She sums up JA Africa students in one word: Passionate.
Meet James Katumba, Project Management Consultant and ATP – Uganda
For James, volunteering with JA Africa through PMIEF is about planting seeds of possibility. “When you see that spark in a student’s eyes, that moment they realize they can design, plan, and execute their dreams, you know your effort has eternal value,” he reflects. He recalls the electric atmosphere at a JA competition at UMA Grounds, where one team turned a simple concept into a full business model. “When young people learn project management, they don’t just manage projects, they lead change.” His word for JA Africa students: Limitless.
Meet Nomathamsanqa Dlamini, Project Manager – South Africa
Nomathamsanqa’s most memorable moments as a PMIEF volunteer with JA Africa have been witnessing the brilliance of students’ ideas. “Their passion and creativity show how bright Africa’s future really is,” she says. She believes project management gives youth the tools to plan, organize, and lead, both in business and in life. “When given the right support, they can achieve amazing things,” she reflects. Her advice: “Stay open to learning and pursue your dreams intentionally.” Her one word for JA Africa students: Ambitious.
Meet Chitra Gunnoo, Compliance Lead – Mauritius
Chitra’s motivation to volunteer with JA Africa through PMIEF came from a simple but powerful desire to give back. Serving as a judge for JA Mascareignes’ student competition showed her how project management builds professionalism and entrepreneurial thinking among young people. “It empowers them to tackle projects in a structured, purposeful way,” she says. Watching their energy and commitment inspired her to continue mentoring. Her advice to youth: “Aim high.” Her word for JA students: Enthusiastic.
Meet David Bagnath, General Manager - Prosafe & Co Ltd– Mauritius
For David, volunteering through PMIEF is about shaping Africa’s next generation of project managers. “It’s an opportunity to give back and help young people master life through project management,” he says. Judging the PMIEF Award at the JA Africa Company of the Year Program 2024 reminded him how mentorship builds both skills and self-awareness. “By coaching and mentoring the youth, I learned more about myself, too,” he reflects. His mantra for Africa’s youth: “Life is a project.” He describes JA students as Curious.
A Shared Commitment to Africa’s Future
At JA Africa, we believe that project management is more than a technical discipline; it’s a mindset for purpose, leadership, and resilience. Together with PMIEF and the dedicated PMI volunteers across the continent, we’re equipping young Africans with the tools to plan boldly, lead with empathy, and adapt with confidence.
As we celebrate PMI Day 2025, we honor every volunteer whose mentorship continues to empower Africa’s next generation of agile leaders and changemakers.
#PMIDay2025 #ThePowerTrio #PMIEF #JAAfrica #ProjectManagement #YouthLeadership #AgileMindset
