The best companies to work for in Africa

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Published in the January issue of African Business magazine, this independent survey of all 54 African markets, not only ranks the best companies to work for in Africa but also provides data-driven analysis, designed to enable companies to better adapt their talent strategies.

The survey was based on 29 separate global, local and pan-African attraction drivers used to define a great employer. In addition, respondents from Africa's talent pool provided their views on organisations that they would be most interested in working for. "The lessons to be taken forward from the Employer of Choice study will make a lasting impact on the African talent landscape, as the best adapt to get better and those who did not make it this time strive to catch up," says Rupert Adcock, founder and MD of Global Career Company.

Commenting on the comprehensive ranking, African Business publisher, Omar Ben Yedder, was surprised by the ranking of certain companies but overall, believed it made sense. "When the numbers came in, I expected to see a dominance of the bigger companies and the multinationals, which is the case. However, some companies did much better than I anticipated and that goes for the top three. It is a credit to them and their policies that they have made the top spots. I was also happy to see some strong African groups competing with the more established names. I'm sure that more will reach the Top 100 next year."

Key findings

Among the key findings across a range of sectors, the survey results show that African professionals across the continent and those working or studying abroad can and do differentiate between the 'Employer Value Proposition' of potential employers. A company's leadership and management, its CSR agenda and the availability of development opportunities are just as important as reward and benefits.

"It is clear that unlike many developed economies, base pay is not as an important a driver. Employers need to look at how to incentivise their workforce through initiatives that encourage new skills and promote opportunities to make a difference to the organisation," said Yves Duhaldeborde, a director at Towers Watson. "This research adds a great deal to the debate on how we compensate workers in Africa."

Prospective employers list topped by African Development Bank

The African Development Bank, the World Bank Group and Nestle were identified as the three companies that the most of the 13,242 respondents would be interested in working for, having been reviewed the most times, though their final scores were not as high as any companies in the top 10.

Also making the top 100 best employers were DSTV, Total, Shell, JP Morgan, Ecobank, GE and Dangote. The results also highlight an additional list of companies, including Ethiopian Airlines and Nissan, which did not make this year's ranking but who are nevertheless ones to watch in the future.