Leveraging cutting edge thinking from visionary project leaders, captains of industry, and senior government officials, the 2022 Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Africa Conference seeks to unpack the trends and technologies transforming the delivery of public and private sector projects in today’s economy. The annual marquee event hosted by PMI, the world’s leading association for project professionals, will kick off in Lagos at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, from September 11-13.
One of the key themes this year is “Boosting the role of women in Africa’s project economy” and will take shape of an exploratory discussion led by Innocentia Mahlangu. She will speak on increasing women’s participation at all levels of project, programme and portfolio management.
Mahlangu is a senior civil engineer and seasoned project manager with experience in mining, metals, and infrastructure. Mahlangu is also the Founder of SHEngineers, a virtual mentorship and support network working to deepen the contribution and retention of women in South Africa’s engineering sector.
She is ideally placed to inform the discussion as the continent looks to achieve its sustainable development goals by accelerating gender equality. She has chaired the South African Institute of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) Diversity and Inclusivity panel, served on its Education and Training committee and acted as a member of the SAICE executive board. In 2021 she was listed on PMI’s Future50 rankings for her role in tackling tough infrastructure projects with an eye toward social and economic change.
The Future50 list features 50 rising leaders across the world who are using bold and innovative thinking to transform the world through notable projects. The 50 standout project leaders, represent a new generation of fearless changemakers dedicated to forging a better tomorrow.
Fellow Future50 nominee and South African Ayanda More will join Mahlangu at the PMI Africa Conference where she is participating in a panel discussion ‘Youthquake’ – Africa’s Future Belongs to the Young. For her dedication to youth development, More was awarded the Eskom Millennial Leader Award. Earlier this year APARA Global was awarded South Africa’s Top Gender Empowered Companies by Standard Bank Top Women Awards.
A mechanical engineer with post graduate qualifications in project management, More is the Founder and CEO of APARA Global which she started in 2018. Today the business comprises a wardrobe consultancy and a global fabric store retailing products recycled from trash in addition to a line of activewear designs.
More believes sustainability is also about eradicating poverty and achieving quality of life. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she partnered with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and eTraverse to build the APARA Global Academy, a hybrid youth development programme accredited by the South African Department of Social Development.
Both Mahlangu and More will bring powerful perspectives and lean on their deep personal experiences to make a compelling case for attracting and retaining female talent in project management