StanChart is exporting African talent
Most banks trying to grow their presence in Africa are battling with the skills shortage and desperately trying to lure African expatriates back to the Continent. Standard Chartered is one step ahead: the emerging markets specialist has been nurturing African talent for years and is in the unique position of being able to export it to other parts of the world.
“With more than 7,000 people in Africa, we are proud of the level of expertise and talent we have across the region,” says Diana Layfield, Ceo of Standard Chartered Africa. “We remain committed to ensuring this talent is constantly monitored, developed and exposed to opportunities which assist in broadening the future careers of individuals, so that their skills are not localised, but equip them to be leaders anywhere in the world.”
The most prominent move involves Lamin Manjang, a Gambian national who was Ceo of Standard Chartered Uganda for the past five years and who has just been promoted to Ceo of Oman in the Middle East, his first post outside the continent. StanChart’s trading profit in Uganda, where it is the second largest bank, more than doubled under his leadership. “Lamin’s skills and expertise will bring immense value to our business in Oman,” says Layfield. “His presence will no doubt enhance the increasing trade and investment links between Oman and Africa.”
It is the first time that an African has been appointed to head a banking operation outside of Africa. “I am passionate about staff training and development and today our talent is one of the best in the group,” says Manjang. “Many Ugandans are now working in senior management positions within the StanChart group.”
He will be replaced as Ceo of StanChart Uganda by Herman Kasekende, who becomes the first Ugandan national to hold the post. Until now he was regional head of the bank’s SME Products & Solutions business for Africa, based in Kenya. “It is special that I get to take up this position when Standard Chartered is celebrating 100 years in Uganda,” says Kasekende. “I consider myself a product of a successful strategy by Standard Chartered in terms of training and giving exposure to those people who have demonstrated leadership potential.”
Currently, more than 160 African nationals are working outside of the continent within the bank’s network across the UK, the Middle East and Asia. The Bank’s training and development strategy, which is consistent across the group, identifies talented future leaders from the region to participate in short term assignments outside of their markets, enabling individuals to gain new skills and an understanding of banking practices in other emerging markets.
