As the world increasingly turns to Africa for talent, questions of trust and verification have become more important than ever. African professionals are making waves in global industries—from tech and finance to the creative arts—yet a lack of structured background checks and lingering misconceptions sometimes stand in the way of opportunities.
In this interview, Oluyinka Adewoye, director of sales, partnership, and client relations, at Blaskill Limited, spoke with Josephine Okojie about the growing global demand for African talent, the role of background checks in building trust, and why companies across Europe and America must embrace Africa’s talent pool.
Why do you think African talent is becoming increasingly sought after on the global stage?
African talent is gaining attention because of its diversity, resilience, and problem-solving skills that professionals from this continent bring to the table. With rapid growth in sectors like technology, fintech, and creative industries, African professionals have proven that they can compete globally.
However, despite this growing recognition, we still see trust gaps. Many employers hesitate, not because African talent isn’t qualified, but because they lack proper verification processes to confirm what these professionals can offer. Bridging that gap is key to unlocking Africa’s full potential on the global stage.
What would you say to companies still hesitant to hire talent from Africa?
I would say it’s time to change the narrative. Africa is the future. The continent has one of the youngest and fastest-growing workforces in the world. Companies that overlook this talent pool are missing out on incredible opportunities.
Employers must have systems in place to verify and build trust with their hires. Solutions like BlakVerify, which focuses on background checks for African professionals, play an important role. By ensuring credentials and experience are properly verified, we help employers confidently connect with top talent from Africa.
What are some of the most common misconceptions about hiring from Africa?
One common misconception is that African professionals lack global experience or education to thrive in international roles. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We have highly skilled professionals in tech, healthcare, finance, and many other industries who are ready to contribute globally.
Another misconception is that the verification process is too complex or unreliable. That’s not the case. Providers like Blakskill, through our BlakVerify service, make the verification process seamless and accurate, ensuring that global companies can access Africa’s best talent without unnecessary complications.
Why are background checks important for employers hiring within Africa and outside?
Background checks are critical because they provide transparency and help employers make informed decisions and mitigate hiring risks. Within Africa, some records are not as centralized or accessible as they might be in other regions.
This makes it harder for recruiters to confirm academic qualifications, past employment, or other vital details. Also, in terms of compliance with International standards; Different countries have strict employment regulations, especially regarding hiring foreign talent. Background checks help ensure compliance with visas, work permits, and labour laws.
By implementing proper background checks, companies can verify talent accurately and ensure they’re hiring the right people—whether they’re a startup in Lagos or a multinational company in London.
What are the key types of background checks that companies should prioritise when hiring within Africa and globally?
The most important checks depend on the industry and the role, but a few are universally essential:
Education verification – Ensure academic credentials are legitimate and relevant.
Identity & nationality verification – Confirm passport, national ID, or work permit validity.
Credit & financial background (for relevant roles) – Necessary for finance, banking, and high-trust positions.
Employment history checks – Understand a candidate’s work experience, roles, and accomplishments.
Criminal background checks – Identify any red flags that might pose a risk to the organisation.
Professional membership verification – Confirm the validity of professional affiliations, especially for regulated industries.
Global sanction checks – Ensure compliance with international regulations. For companies hiring remotely or globally, these checks offer peace of mind and prevent costly mistakes.
Beyond risk mitigation, what other benefits do background checks offer companies?
Trust is one of the biggest benefits. When companies know they’re hiring verified professionals, they can confidently share sensitive information, collaborate on high-stakes projects, and build lasting relationships.
It also improves employee morale.When employees know their colleagues have been thoroughly vetted, it creates a culture of accountability and professionalism. Avoiding hires with fraudulent or unstable work histories protects business operations from potential disruptions.
Conducting background checks reassures clients and stakeholders that the company hires reliable and competent professionals. Lastly, background checks protect the company’s brand and reputation, which is critical in today’s digital age.
One misstep can quickly become a public relations issue. Organisations that conduct thorough background checks are better positioned to compete globally. They can confidently engage with international clients, partners, and stakeholders knowing their workforce meets global professional and ethical standards.
How do you see the perception of African talent evolving over the next few years?
I believe we’re at a turning point. More companies are starting to recognise the value of African talent, especially as remote work continues to grow.
In the next five years, I expect to see African professionals occupying more leadership roles in global companies and industries.
Our role is to continue building that trust bridge—making it easier for companies to access African talent while ensuring that professionals are properly verified and ready for these opportunities.
How can companies new to hiring from Africa ensure a successful experience?
First, approach it with an open mind. Africa is not a monolith—it’s a continent with diverse countries and industries that offer unique strengths. Research and understand the specific talent market that aligns with your business needs.
Second, collaborate with partners who understand the local talent landscape and can help with verification processes. Services like BlakVerify simplify this step, allowing companies to hire with confidence while focusing on finding the right fit for their roles.
What about African professionals? How can they position themselves to be more attractive to global employers?
African professionals need to embrace continuous learning and stay up to date with global industry trends. Building a strong online presence—on platforms like LinkedIn—helps too.
But most importantly, they should focus on transparency.
Honesty about qualifications and experience goes a long way in building trust. Partnering with verification services can also help professionals present themselves with greater credibility.
What’s your vision for African talent on the global stage?
My vision is to see African talent become the preferred choice for companies globally. With the right tools and verification systems in place, we’ll see a shift where African professionals are not only participants in the global workforce but leaders driving innovation and change.
Africa is brimming with talent that the global market cannot afford to ignore. By embracing transparency, investing in verification processes, and opening doors to African professionals, companies will gain access to a new wave of innovation, creativity, and excellence. With trusted partners like Blakskill simplifying background checks, hiring African talent has never been easier—or more rewarding.
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