Vodacom Group, a leading telecommunications and digital services provider in Africa, has been recognized as the continent’s number one employer for 2024 by the Top Employers Institute. This accolade, awarded for the second consecutive year, reflects Vodacom’s exceptional performance in key HR areas such as talent acquisition, work culture, employee well-being, and professional development.
Recognition Across the Region
The prestigious certification was not limited to Vodacom Group but also extended to its subsidiaries, including Vodacom South Africa, Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom Tanzania, and Safaricom Kenya. Vodacom’s CEO, Shameel Joosub, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.
“We are deeply honored to be named Africa’s Top Employer for the second year running. At Vodacom, we believe that prioritizing our employees’ well-being directly contributes to achieving our purpose of creating a better-connected future,” Joosub stated.
Building a Supportive Workplace
Vodacom highlighted several initiatives introduced in 2024 to enhance its Employee Value Proposition. Guided by its Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, and Empathy (C.A.R.E.) framework, the company expanded wellness programs and updated policies to support employees through all stages of life. These initiatives include enhanced family responsibility leave and support for menopause.
Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom’s Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that retaining the top spot reflects the company’s unwavering focus on empowering its workforce. “Being named Africa’s Top Employer again showcases our dedication to creating an environment where employees thrive,” Mbungela said.
Empowering the Future Workforce: Digital Skills Hub
As part of its mission to bridge Africa’s digital skills gap, Vodacom has launched the Digital Skills Hub, which aims to train one million Africans aged 18 to 35 by 2027. The hub, developed in collaboration with tech giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft, offers self-paced, practical training in digital skills tailored to the rapidly evolving digital economy.
“There is an urgent need to equip Africa’s youth with the skills required to navigate the digital future. The Digital Skills Hub is designed to nurture talent, empower young people, and prepare them for careers in STEM fields,” explained Mbungela.
Training and Collaboration
One of the flagship offerings of the hub is AWS Educate, an online program that introduces beginners to topics like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This initiative complements Vodacom’s existing online learning platforms and underscores its commitment to fostering digital literacy.
“Our goal is to empower students, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age,” said Joosub. “By launching the Digital Skills Hub, we’re investing in the workforce of tomorrow and ensuring everyone can connect to a better future.”
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is set to operate across eight African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative aligns with Vodacom’s broader mission of bridging the digital divide and fostering digital literacy across the continent.
With its recognition as Africa’s top employer and the launch of the Digital Skills Hub, Vodacom continues to lead the charge in creating a future-ready workforce while strengthening its position as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.
