Africa's Rising Talent Pool: A Global Opportunity

Rising talent pool in Africa
  • Last updated: January 13, 2025

Africa is currently on the cusp of a demographic dividend, with its working-age population set to be the largest globally by 2050, with a whopping 2.5 billion people, which would make up 25% of the whole world population. This burgeoning workforce, coupled with increasing digital literacy and a growing pool of skilled professionals, presents a unique opportunity for international companies to tap into a vast reservoir of talent. 

But how can organisations best do this? How can they avoid some of the obstacles that will stand in their way?

In this article, we weigh in on the question of Africa’s rising talent pool, and dive into how companies can best seize this opportunity.

Bridging the Global Skills Gap

Many Western countries are grappling with a shortage of skilled workers in various sectors, including technology, engineering, and healthcare. Africa, with its abundant human capital, can help bridge this gap in these highly critical industries.

International companies can leverage Africa’s talent pool in several ways: 

1. Remote Work and Outsourcing:

Tech Talent:

Africa has a growing number of tech-savvy individuals who can work remotely on software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity projects, among other things. Countries like Kenya with its “Silicon Savannah” moniker, Nigeria which is home to a thriving digital industry in Lagos, South Africa, Rwanda, and Egypt are all outstanding examples of Africa’s tech-savviness.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

Many African countries have established themselves as major BPO hubs, offering services like customer support, back-office operations, and accounting.

2. Global Talent Acquisition:

Engineering and IT

African universities are producing a steady stream of highly qualified engineers and IT professionals who can contribute to global innovation.

Healthcare Professionals

Countries like Nigeria and South Africa have strong medical schools and produce skilled doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Startups and Innovation Hubs

Africa is home to a vibrant startup ecosystem, with many innovative entrepreneurs developing solutions to global challenges. 

Research and Development

African researchers are making significant contributions to fields like agriculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy. 

Maximizing the Benefits of Africa's Demographic Dividend

To fully harness the potential of its growing workforce, Africa and its stakeholders must invest in: 

Education and Skills Development

Governments and businesses should prioritise education and training to equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

Infrastructure Development

Adequate infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity, is essential for attracting investment and facilitating economic growth. 

Policy Reforms

Governments should implement policies that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. 

Digital Transformation

Embracing digital technologies can boost productivity, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans. 

Africa HR Solutions can make a difference, and so can you

By working together, African governments, businesses, and international partners can create a thriving and inclusive economy that benefits both Africa and the world. During this type of expansion, having a partner like Africa HR Solutions can make the difference. With over 14+ years of experience supporting companies in Africa across 46+ African countries, we have a proven track record of helping companies flourish and tap into Africa’s opportunities. Through our EOR and PEO offers, managers gain the peace of mind they need to focus on their core operations. Curious to find out more about our EOR or PEO offers? Chat with us now!

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GRANT GERAGHTY - Africa HR Team

GRANT GERAGHTY

HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Grant Geraghty is the longest-serving member of the Africa HR team. This resident subject matter expert and client champion is responsible for gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ unique HR needs in Africa and providing tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Grant collabourates closely with our clients to ensure that their requirements are properly implemented, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

Grant brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as Africa HR’s longest-serving employee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Economics and Business Finance, from the University of Natal in South Africa. Additionally, he has completed a certification program in Payroll and Tax Administration from the University of Cape Town, further enhancing his expertise in HR operations and compliance.

His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his extensive knowledge of HR in Africa make him an invaluable member of the Africa HR team.

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL Africa HR Team

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Kevina Takoordyal has a BA Hons Business Management from the University of Glamorgan, UK, with MBA in leadership and Innovation, MBA General, PMP Certified, and Agile Scrum Master. She currently works as the Head of Operations at Africa HR Solutions Ltd with more than 20 years of proven leadership capabilities in Operations, Business Development, People Management, Process Optimization, and Project Management in the Financial Services, BPO, Banking Industry, and Heath Care Industry. In Senior leadership roles with an international footprint across Europe working and extensive Pan- African experience from a compliance, finance, and operations angle, Kevina comes across with a panoply of cross-functional skills. Kevina also serves on a few Boards, Non-Independent Executive at MioD and for NGOs on a voluntary basis, a coach and mentor to aspiring female leaders across Africa and Mauritius.

Kevina is a firm believer in Servant Leadership with a strong focus and commitment to uplifting others, with the ability to deliver through a highly engaged – diverse team, and works towards consistently synergistic value creation. While being a focused and adaptive thinker and Kevina is actively participating in panel discussions on Innovation, CX, Digital transformation.

Kevina serves as Project Assessor for the National Youth upskilling program. She has been recognized as Global Talent in a few companies, Ceridian, and International SOS Ltd whereby she has been awarded a few scholarships and had the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Vice President in the US. Award Winner in various fields and at a national level and recognized including Super Achiever Leader Award in Africa in 2016, Awarded Africa Women Leader 2018.

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE​

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE

Head of Finance & Business Support

Viloshna is an experienced finance professional with 18 years of expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, cash flow management, systems and controls implementation, financial reporting, and continuous process improvements. She currently serves as Head of Finance & Business Support, where she has successfully automated and leveraged the financial reporting system capabilities to ensure efficient company operations.

Viloshna’s background includes senior roles in a multinational pharmaceutical company and a large listed Mauritian conglomerate. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have streamlined financial processes, making her a valuable addition to any finance team. Viloshna is a qualified finance professional with an FCCA qualification and an MBA, bringing valuable expertise to any Organisation.

In her current role, Viloshna leads the company’s Treasury and Payments function, including the fulfillment of the company’s cross-border payments into Africa. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, Viloshna consistently demonstrates her ability to optimize financial operations, minimize risks, and improve profitability. Her expertise in financial reporting and process improvements make her a valuable asset to any Organisation.

MARK DU PREEZ​

MARK DU PREEZ

Head of Legal & Compliance

A qualified lawyer who joined Africa HR Solutions in July 2020, Mark Du Preez has experience working in private practice for a reputable law firm in South Africa. He also played commercially focused roles at a leading private bank, wealth management company, and outsourcing firm in South Africa and Mauritius.

Mark has played a pivotal role in Africa HR Solution’s risk mitigation strategy, which positively impacted P&L performance over the years.

He currently leads the Partnerships function of the company including relationships and oversight with in-country partners (ICPs) across Africa.

Alex Daruty - Africa HR Team

ALEX DARUTY

Head of Commercial

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in the global, strategic development of both enterprise and consumer brands in categories including technology, transport, enterprise software, entertainment, and travel.

With experience in roles on both agency and corporate side, he has worked across international brands and has led the development and execution of multi-discipline campaigns across EMEA, NORAM and Asia Pacific.

His focus is on driving meaningful business impact through brand differentiation and building high-functioning, digitally oriented, and analytically driven capabilities. He is motivated by working with, and developing dynamic people, teams, and Organisations.

He leads, manages, develops and mentors the Key Account Management department, including line management responsibility for the team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Administrator who represent the Company as the primary communication link between all relevant stakeholders, including clients, third party in-country partners and internal functions.

Originally from Mauritius, he holds bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Finance and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.