Africa HR Solutions is the proud Headline Sponsor of the GPA Awards 2022 

As a leading employment outsourcing and payroll solutions provider over the last decade, Africa HR Solutions is delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Global Payroll Awards 2022.This year’s event will be hosted in Dublin, Ireland from 7.00 pm – 01.00 am BST on 22nd September 2022. 

Like every year, the Global Payroll Awards aim to celebrate and reward outstanding professionals within the Global Payroll industry. The titles to be awarded this year include: 

  • Transformation Project of the Year 
  • Employer of Record Organisation of the Year 
  • Global Payroll Supplier of the Year 
  • In-country Payroll Provider of the Year 
  • Payroll Manager of the Year 
  • Payroll Innovation Award 
  • International Payments Provider of the Year 
  • Payroll Software Supplier of the Year 
  • Payroll Specialist of the Year 
  • Payroll Student of the Year 
  • Payroll Team of the Year 
  • Payroll Consultant of the Year 

Additionally, this year’s edition introduces the new Automation and Integration Award 2022. 

The Africa HR Solutions family feels immensely proud to be given the chance to be the Headline Sponsor for such a crucial event – reflecting our own focus on delivering the best in terms of payroll and employment outsourcing solutions. Here is hoping we see you on 22nd September 2022! 

Kenyan agritech startup, iProcure, raises $10.2 million to promote its input supply network 

The agricultural sector in Kenya faces many challenges such as the shortage of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, seeds) or the increasing appearance of products that do not meet market standards in the country. It is important to note that agriculture in Kenya accounts for 23% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 40% of the country’s employment. 

With this in mind, Kenyan agritech startup, iProcure, has secured $10.2 million Series B financing with the help of Novastar Ventures, British International Investment (BII), and Ceniarth, and is led by Investisseurs & Partenaires – a capital market company. Structured as debt and equity, this funding will help ameliorate iProcure’s input supply network and facilitate its growth in Kenya, Uganda, and eventually Tanzania. 

Skill assessment trend is rising according to an SHRM survey 

A recent SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) survey has demonstrated that 56% of employers admitted they make use of pre-hiring assessments to quantify their applicants’ abilities.  

Additionally, 79% of HR professionals say that “skill assessment scores are just as or more important than traditional criteria.” 

Despite all this, 36% of respondents admit that a candidate that scores well in their assessment but eventually does not meet the post’s standards is very likely. 28% of employers surveyed said the same about candidates that did not meet the required education level. 

Interestingly, some employers claimed that they opt for degree programs to ascertain their candidates’ skills because it helps mitigate the risks. Experts stress that employers thinking about adopting skill-based hiring should expect a complete job description/functions overhaul to meet the new standards in 2022. 

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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.