Project Success and Project Manager Competency

An increased interest in project management over the last decade resulted in a greater adoption of international standards, increased academic research, and in training on project management concepts. However, studies continue to show lower than satisfactory project success rates. The aim of this paper is to determine the current levels of project success in Africa, as well as the extent that project manager competency influences project success. Six hundred survey responses, reporting on 9 389 projects executed in various Southern African countries, were analyzed statistically. The results indicate a success rate of 70% and suggest that organizations with more competent project managers produce more successful projects. The article bridges the current gap between theoretical insights into this topic and the managerial reality in Africa today. It also stresses the need for investment in training and development of project managers in Africa.