In today’s African business landscape, where innovation and transformation define progress, Mahamadou Sanogo stands out as a key supporter of the future of human resources. He is the founder and CEO of Emploi & Moi, where he has made it his life’s work to introduce job opportunities and build a path for young talent across Mali and West Africa.
Whether it was running events like SIR-MALI, where they had large-scale talent acquisition, or creating digital tools such as Plyoo, his work revealed a deep commitment to aligning people strategies with business outcomes. He possesses the unique combination of business savvy, social mindedness, and tech know-how that’s already changing the landscape of HR.
In this interview, Sanogo guides us through the milestones, challenges, and ambitions behind his work. He also offers a grounded and unique perspective on what it takes to lead in an environment where talent development and innovation are closely interlaced.
Can you briefly share your journey and what led you to a leadership role in Human Resources?
My name is Mahamadou SANOGO. I hold a degree in Marketing Management and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. My interest in HR developed organically during my university years through real-life experiences.
While studying, I actively contributed to an online university forum where I shared job and internship opportunities sourced through daily monitoring. What started as a voluntary initiative had a real impact—many students landed their first job or internship thanks to these postings. That was my turning point.
I realized that access to reliable employment information could change lives—if it was well-structured and consistent. That led to the birth of Emploi & Moi, a company aimed at improving access to job opportunities in Mali and West Africa, while also helping build stronger, more qualified talent pools.
This journey naturally led me into an HR leadership role, where I combine social impact, innovation, and business performance to drive real change.
What core responsibilities define your current role, and how do you align HR with business growth?
As the founder of Emploi & Moi, my role goes beyond administrative HR. I design and implement HR strategies that directly support business growth—for both our clients and our own organization. This includes talent acquisition, process design, upskilling programs, and the rollout of innovative employee engagement tools. We strongly believe that HR isn’t just support—it’s central to strategic development. We ensure that talents are not only recruited but also aligned with long-term business visions.
How have you helped shape or transform your organization’s people strategy and workplace culture?
At Emploi & Moi, we’ve cultivated a culture based on transparency, ownership, and trust. We introduced an agile HR approach that breaks down traditional silos and empowers every team member to drive their own growth. We use digital tools, ongoing training, and close managerial relationships to maintain a dynamic, growth-focused workplace. Our people strategy is not just about hiring—it’s about unlocking potential, creating value, and thriving even in challenging environments.
What initiatives or innovations in HR are you most proud of leading recently?
One of my proudest achievements is launching the International Recruitment Fair in Mali (SIR-MALI). This annual event—organized by Emploi & Moi—has become a major hub for professional integration in the region, connecting companies, institutions, and job seekers through discussions on employability, inclusion, and innovation. Hundreds of young people find job opportunities through this platform every year.
On the innovation side, we’ve launched a neobank embedded in a HR super app, in partnership with two Malian banks. The goal is to simplify employees’ financial lives through a Visa card and digital financial services (like micro-loans, savings, and payroll access).
Even more transformative is Plyoo, a next-gen social network built for HR. It’s not just a recruitment platform—it’s a game-changer that allows companies to discover talent through video profiles, interactive resumes, skill assessments, and real-time interactions. It makes hiring more human, more engaging, and better suited for today’s generation.
These initiatives reflect our vision: digitizing and redefining HR practices across Africa in a practical, inclusive way.
How do you foster talent development and prepare your workforce for the future of work in Africa?
By 2030, Africa will have over 700 million youth under 25. That’s both a challenge and a huge opportunity. At Emploi & Moi, we focus on practical, short-form training, immersive internships, digital tools like Plyoo, and job-dating events to boost employability.
We believe in experiential learning, digital inclusion, and helping young Africans not just adapt to the future of work—but help shape it. Our mission is to turn potential into purpose through skills, confidence, and opportunities that reflect local realities.
What has been your approach to managing change, uncertainty, or crisis in recent years?
Mali faces a multi-dimensional crisis—security, economic, and institutional. In this environment, my approach has been built on resilience, agility, and community support. As a friend once told me, “Storms pass—you just have to be resilient.”
We adapted quickly: diversifying our services, digitizing operations, and maintaining strong community connections. Every crisis is also a chance to reimagine our priorities, accelerate innovation, and reinforce our social mission.
What leadership principles guide your work, and how do you inspire teams across diverse environments?
I practice proximity-based leadership—being present, approachable, and supportive. I believe in listening, trusting my team, and leading by example. My core values are boldness, humility, and discipline.
I inspire my teams by valuing their input, empowering them with real responsibility, and celebrating every milestone—no matter how small. In challenging contexts, creating a shared sense of purpose is the key to motivation and progress.
What trends do you believe are redefining Human Resources across Africa today?
Three major trends are reshaping HR in Africa:
- Digital transformation, allowing for scalable recruitment, training, and performance management;
- A hyper-connected and demanding youth, pushing companies to rethink their culture, purpose, and flexibility;
- Geographic inclusion—HR isn’t just about urban areas anymore. There’s a growing push to tap into rural and regional talent.
This quiet revolution is making HR more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the continent’s realities.
What does being recognized as a ‘Most Influential Personality in HR’ in Africa mean to you?
It’s a great honor—and an even greater responsibility. Being seen as influential means I must keep innovating, sharing, and giving back. It shows that starting small can lead to big impact when you have a clear, meaningful vision.
This recognition isn’t an end in itself—it’s a platform to mobilize more youth, companies, and partners to build a stronger employment ecosystem in Africa.
What advice would you offer to the next generation of HR professionals on the continent?
Three things: stay curious, stay bold, and stay grounded in your local context. Africa doesn’t need imported models—it needs adapted solutions.
Future HR professionals must become architects of practical change, bridge-builders between talent and opportunity, and, above all, human-centered leaders. Get out of the office, meet the youth, understand the needs of SMEs and communities. That’s where real impact happens.
Read Also: Lorraine Barnard: Driving Immense Success in Human Resource Excellence
