Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority on project management, and the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), the country’s statutory regulatory body for the engineering profession, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration, professional development, and knowledge-sharing in the engineering and construction sectors.

This strategic agreement aims to integrate globally recognised project management practices into Zambia’s engineering and construction landscape to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and success of major projects. The partnership establishes a framework for capacity building, professional certification, and policy advocacy to empower Zambian engineers with advanced project management skills.

Speaking on the occasion, George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the significance of the collaboration. “This MoU is a crucial step toward advancing project management expertise within Zambia’s engineering and construction sectors. PMI is committed to equipping professionals with globally recognised project management competencies that will enable them to deliver large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects efficiently. This partnership with EIZ aligns with our broader vision of strengthening professional standards and ensuring project success in Africa.”

A key outcome of the agreement is the integration of PMI’s globally recognised certifications, including the PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP™), into Zambia’s engineering and construction sectors. As part of this effort, the MoU seeks to establish PMI-CP™ as the recognised standard for project management within Zambia’s construction industry.

EIZ will also explore the recognition of the certification as part of its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, allowing engineers and project professionals to earn CPD points while keeping up with modern project management methodologies.

The MoU outlines several other key areas of cooperation. One major aspect is knowledge exchange and best practices, where PMI and EIZ will work together to promote the adoption of internationally recognised project management methodologies to enhance efficiency in engineering projects. This will ensure that project teams in Zambia are equipped with global best practices in planning, execution, and risk management, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.

Another crucial component of the agreement is professional development and certification support. PMI will provide training opportunities and pathways for EIZ members to obtain project management certifications, improving their qualifications and career growth. By aligning Zambia’s engineering and construction sectors with PMI’s globally recognised credentials, professionals will gain valuable skills that will help them navigate complex projects and meet international standards.

As part of this MoU, PMI will support the EIZ in becoming an Authorised Training Partner (ATP) for the PMI-CP™ certification. This initiative will enable EIZ to offer structured training programs that align with global best practices in construction project management, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills required to deliver complex infrastructure projects effectively.

Eng David Kamungu, Registrar & CEO, EIZ, emphasised the importance of the partnership: “We are continuously exploring ways to enhance value for our members, with partnerships and high standards at the core of this mission. This collaboration with PMI represents a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen engineering and project management disciplines in Zambia. With project complexity increasing across industries, it is vital that engineering professionals are equipped with global best practices to ensure infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. By working with PMI, we are taking proactive steps toward capacity-building and professional excellence.”

PMI will also support EIZ in policy research and industry engagement, helping the institution influence government and industry stakeholders on project management best practices. This collaboration aims to ensure that engineering regulations, training programs, and industry policies incorporate strong project management principles, contributing to the sector's overall development.

Furthermore, the MoU focuses on strengthening Zambia’s built environment. The agreement will help develop a skilled workforce capable of delivering complex infrastructure projects, ensuring that the country’s engineering sector remains competitive on a regional and global scale. By improving project execution capabilities, the partnership will support Zambia’s long-term infrastructure development goals, benefiting key industries such as construction, energy, and transportation.