He has been running the human resources firm AfricSearch for twenty years and has adapted to the transformations in African job markets. For JA Emploi & Formation, Didier Acouetey agreed to share his thoughts on the future of his profession and the trends he sees emerging in his sector and that of training.

At the dawn of his 50th birthday, Didier Acouetey remains among the most important headhunters on the continent. The president of the human resources firm AfricSearch, which he founded in 1996, has been scanning the continent for more than twenty years. He notably has behind him the creation of the “African Renaissance” think tank in 1991 which already aimed to mobilize young Africans trained for the development of their continent of origin. Or that of the AfricTalents show in 1999. Voted best African entrepreneur in France in 2014, he launched the first SME financing forum the same year. Interview with an expert in recruiting Africans for Africa.

Jeune Afrique Employment & Training: How to define your profession in 2018?

Didier Acouetey: First of all, the profession is evolving thanks to the digital industry. The digitalization of our economies tends to disrupt the way in which the headhunter approaches his market and the way in which the client expects the service to be delivered to him. Being a headhunter in 2018 and in the years to come means having a more refined and sophisticated approach to the candidate. Because at the same time, social networks like LinkedIn also act as relays for companies and shorten research time for the customer.

Source : Jeune afrique