Microsoft one of the first class of multinationals rated in the CRF Institute Top Employers in Africa Index
Microsoft has been certified for the second year running as one of Africa’s Top Employers in 2013/2014 for its operations in Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. This makes the company part of the CRF Institute’s Top Employers in Africa Index along with the first class of certified multinationals.
Economies across Africa are growing rapidly and opportunities are abundant, but attracting, retaining, and engaging top talent remains a challenge. According to the CRF Institute, Microsoft has successfully demonstrated its excellence in the application of its Human Resources policies and practices across all of the countries where it operates, and this is the key criteria for certification.
Doing business in Africa does have similarities to other dynamic emerging markets where infrastructure and availability of technology can be limited. But Microsoft has a fundamental belief that no matter where it is in the world, the brand needs to stay consistent. This means, that what is available to employees in the US or Europe is available to employees in Africa. “We strive to make our programs, processes and overall way of working with our employees first class,” says Cherise Mendoza, HR Lead in West East and Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.
Microsoft has been on the continent for over 20 years and sees enormous potential for growth, particularly within the ICT sector. And with more and more businesses starting up and expanding across Africa, the company’s aim is to bring products and services that meet their unique needs and help grow their organisations. “As we grow on the continent, we work continuously with our 10 000 partners across Africa to ensure the best possible reach and impact. We are constantly adding to our team of dedicated people on the ground who truly understand the African economic and business environment, this is what makes the difference,” says Mendoza.
In February this year, Microsoft launched its multi-million dollar 4AAfrika initiative, a new effort through which the company will actively engage in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness. “This forms part of our vision to give more people and businesses in Africa access to technology at a more affordable price. To achieve this vision, we have made a significant investment in our talent pool, to allow us to enable businesses in Africa to realise their full potential through innovative technologies,” says Mendoza. She adds that Microsoft as a global organization has been able to instill a culture of performance excellence in its employees. “We have big goals, dreams and aspirations, particularly for the African continent.”
