WINNING MATTERS

The world of sports offers many lessons which can be applied to projects. The exploits of the Scorchers at the just ended COSAFA Women’s football championship in South Africa is one recent inspiring example and one which defies many myths about winning. For a team which went into the games perceived as an underdog, they have simply proven that there’s more to winning than colossal corporate funding and witchcraft or luck.

In projects, as in sports, winning or success matters for several very good reasons. One is that it represents the best utilization of resources. Further, its only successful projects which bring real transformation, not failed ones. The sense of fulfillment can create a culture of consistent success which is lacking in many sectors. In this entry, we explore some recent projects which offer some inspiration.

1. Mother’s Day Fun Run

This year’s Mother’s Day Fun Run has once again raised the bar and confirmed itself as one of the largest charitable events, grossing close to Mk 300 million which went towards Chintheche Hospital in Nkhata Bay District. With Chikwawa already announced as next year’s recipient, one can safely predict that NPL’s winning streak with this project will continue, ceteris paribus.

2. Nacala New Port - Mozambique

Two weeks ago, the presidents of Malàwi, Mozambique and Zambia met in Mozambique to inaugurate the recently rehabilitated and expanded Port of Nacala. Delivered at a cost of US$300 million, this facility is expected to boost trade and reduce transportation costs for the three neighboring countries. With a crop of nearly 80 certified PMPs currently, Mozambique is surely poised for greater heights.

3. National Tourism Month

The month of September was abuzz with daily messages promoting various places of interest in Malàwi. The Minister of Tourism, Hon Vera Kamtukule, took a front seat role in driving the initiative which saw many establishments report increased patronage with some hotels reporting 100% increase in their occupancy rates. The recognition of tourism as one of the three pillars in the Malàwi 2063 Agenda needs more of such successful initiatives.

4. KAMA Mega Farm

Despite being endowed with vast natural resources, Malawi’s agricultural sector has performed below par with respect to productivity and impact. The recent commissioning of the 1,174 hectare Katunga and Maseya (KAMA) Cooperative mega farm at a cost of circa Mk 7 billion is a big win for the nation at large via the projected increases in ethanol production, job creation, and wealth generation.

5. New Apple Store at KIA

At a time when the economy is beset by a myriad of economic challenges, Henry Mphwanthe went against the wind and opened the first ever dedicated Apple Store at Kamuzu International Airport. Considering recent reports indicating Malawi has the cheapest data rates and free wireless connectivity in all markets, public schools and hospitals, this new venture adds to the list of wins in the technology space.

6. Skyleader 600 - Tanzania

Meanwhile right across the border, Tanzania has unveiled its first locally-assembled aircraft dubbed Skyleader 600. For a country with 320 certified PMPs currently, such wins are neither rare nor few. As African countries seek greater integration, this win is for the continent at large and could soon see the exorbitant cost of air travel drop in the near future.

Successfully delivered projects have got great potential to create a domino effect and transform the ways in which businesses and society interact. At the heart of this is good project management and competent project managers who are able to align strategy, leadership and technical expertise to deliver value like the Scorchers Coach, Lovemore Fazili.