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Expat professionals still in high demand across Africa
| Published: | 7 Feb at 6 PM |
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As Africa struggles to find its place in the 21st century world, expat professionals are in high demand due to skills shortages and a lack of local talent.
Many African countries have severe economic challenges even although commodity prices are still very low, with expat professionals in addition to local talent needed to allay skill shortages and boost economies across the massive continent. Expats who arrived some time ago have continued to transfer their knowledge and skills to local workers, but hiring of overseas expertise is expected to continue at least until the end of this year.
African states are also suffering from an exodus of locally-grown talent to the West, with governmental efforts towards resettlement now being made. In Mauritius, for example, the government is using tax cuts to attract jobseekers, with the scheme showing some success. Even so, it’s expected that recruitment of Western-educated professionals will strengthen for several years yet.
Especially welcome will be professionals with experience at senior managerial levels in the financial sector, as African companies need to attract investors at a time of low-flowing foreign currency. High potential individuals with less experience and a talent for learning on the job are also welcome. Hiring managers are expected to continue recruiting those happy to share their knowledge and experience with local professionals in an attempt to ensure efficient succession planning for locally-grown talent takeovers.
The focus on industry diversification started last year is expected to continue and will drive expat recruitment strategies as a result. During 2017, salaries are expected to increase by an average of between 12 to 16 per cent meaning that, given the low cost of living across most of the continent, expat lives can be very comfortable and include significant savings potential. Working in Africa is set to be a fascinating challenge both culturally and in the workplace, along with an opportunity to help others achieve their potential.
Source: Zambia24
Many African countries have severe economic challenges even although commodity prices are still very low, with expat professionals in addition to local talent needed to allay skill shortages and boost economies across the massive continent. Expats who arrived some time ago have continued to transfer their knowledge and skills to local workers, but hiring of overseas expertise is expected to continue at least until the end of this year.
African states are also suffering from an exodus of locally-grown talent to the West, with governmental efforts towards resettlement now being made. In Mauritius, for example, the government is using tax cuts to attract jobseekers, with the scheme showing some success. Even so, it’s expected that recruitment of Western-educated professionals will strengthen for several years yet.
Especially welcome will be professionals with experience at senior managerial levels in the financial sector, as African companies need to attract investors at a time of low-flowing foreign currency. High potential individuals with less experience and a talent for learning on the job are also welcome. Hiring managers are expected to continue recruiting those happy to share their knowledge and experience with local professionals in an attempt to ensure efficient succession planning for locally-grown talent takeovers.
The focus on industry diversification started last year is expected to continue and will drive expat recruitment strategies as a result. During 2017, salaries are expected to increase by an average of between 12 to 16 per cent meaning that, given the low cost of living across most of the continent, expat lives can be very comfortable and include significant savings potential. Working in Africa is set to be a fascinating challenge both culturally and in the workplace, along with an opportunity to help others achieve their potential.
Source: Zambia24
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