Sue Danziger, Project Manager Africa weighs in on the challenges facing the African human resources sector. 

Today in South Africa there is one engineer for every 3,200 people. China and India have one per 150, while in Europe the ratio is between 1:250-300. These startling comparisons are significant for the RSA as a whole but are critical to the technologically intensive resources sector. There is an even greater disparity in the continent as a whole.

The diaspora of  home grown African mining talent to the four corners of the globe in recent years has exacerbated what was already unsustainable situation. The diminutive flow of resources professionals emanating from African universities does nothing but compound the problem.

The irony is that, the Global Financial Crisis notwithstanding, Africa has been one of the principal beneficiaries of the planet’s growing demand for commodities. The resources sector can and has helped to materially improve the lives of millions of its inhabitants.

Africa, is competing in a global marketplace for the best people. As a result , many African resources professionals are applying their talents around the world. Conversely, African mining operations are benefitting extensively from the international talent pool.

Africa and the mining houses that operate there are generally perceived not to have a very attractive employment brand. Political instability, climate, health and sovereign risk in general make the task of attracting and retaining quality people difficult.

Swann Global is well placed to assist companies operating in Africa with the support required to overcome these obstacles. We have an extensive and successful track record in finding and placing senior management and technical specialists throughout the continent. We are intimately familiar with the diversity in culture and context throughout the region. We specialise in the resources sector and, aside from a large data base and expertise in executive search our people are very well connected to the industry; half of them having a resources background themselves.