Assessment of Project Management Maturity in the Construction Industry of Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda’s construction industry, a vital economic pillar contributing over 7% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and projected to expend $546 million in 2025, is central to achieving Vision 2050’s goal of transforming the nation into a middle-income economy by 2050. However, persistent project failures—such as the $30 million cost overrun at the Kigali Convention Centre, the ongoing delay of the Bugesera International Airport since its 2019 target, and the abandonment of the Gisenyi-Gicumbi road project after a $15 million investment—underscore significant challenges linked to low project management (PM) maturity among Grade-1 contractors. Grounded in Systems Theory and Contingency Theory, this study aimed to assess PM maturity to enhance performance, with three key objectives: (1) evaluate the application of PMBOK processes across 14 knowledge areas (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resource, Communication, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder, Safety, Financial, Environmental, Claim Management), (2) explore stakeholder perspectives on maturity enhancement strategies, and (3) formulate the Project Management Maturity Framework for Rwanda’s Construction Industry (PMMF-RCI). A mixed-methods approach was utilized, comprising a questionnaire completed by 29 Grade-1 contractors (90.6% response rate), analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics to quantify maturity levels, and semi-structured interviews with six stakeholders (two contractors, two consultants, two regulators), analyzed thematically with NVivo to capture qualitative insights. Findings revealed stark maturity disparities: Risk Management (48.3% Initial) and Claim Management (37.9% Initial) exhibited predominantly ad hoc practices, while Financial (44.8% Defined) and Safety Management (48.3% Defined) demonstrated structured strengths. Stakeholders identified five critical themes—Capacity Building, Standardization of Processes, Technology Adoption, Stakeholder Collaboration, and Regulatory Support—informing the PMMF-RCI. This framework, structured around four pillars and a three-year implementation roadmap, offers targeted interventions. Recommendations include mandatory PM training, standardized templates, digital tool subsidies, and enhanced regulatory audits to mitigate failures, improve project outcomes, and advance Rwanda’s sustainable development agenda. Policy implications include integrating PMMF-RCI into national regulations to support Vision 2050 and foster broader African infrastructure resilience.