The Project Management Institute (PMI) has launched a free online course aimed at helping aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs develop skills to turn business ideas into viable and sustainable ventures.
The five-hour course, PMI Foundations: Project Management for Entrepreneurs, targets founders, side-hustle creators, solopreneurs, community innovators and small teams across different sectors.
PMI says the course comes amid growing demand for practical business skills, particularly as more young Africans turn to entrepreneurship amid limited formal employment opportunities.
The African Development Bank estimates that between 10 million and 12 million young people enter Africa’s labour market each year, while only about three million formal jobs are created.
PMI said the challenge for entrepreneurs is not only starting businesses but also developing sustainable income streams.
The Africa Creator Economy Report 2.0, cited by PMI, found that about six in 10 creators earn less than US$100 a month from their creative work, while 71 per cent identified business strategy and management as essential skills for attracting investment.
George Asamani, PMI Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said project management skills can help entrepreneurs plan their work, manage resources and deliver on commitments.
“A brand deal can bring in revenue, but creators also need to understand what it will cost to deliver,” Asamani said.
The course covers areas including financial planning and cash flow, organising work, testing business ideas with customers, building visibility and trust, measuring performance, leadership and sustainable growth.
PMI said the training is designed to address practical challenges entrepreneurs face, including irregular income, production costs, delayed payments and limited capacity.
The course also provides practical templates, reflection exercises, insights from experienced founders and AI-supported brainstorming.
PMI said learners do not require a formal business background or previous project management experience to enrol.
The institute said the training is intended to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their businesses while managing uncertainty and planning for growth.
Entrepreneurs can access and enrol for the course through PMI’s website.