HR Excellence Spotlight: Mali's Best

HR Excellence Spotlight is our flagship digital publication, highlighting the top 25 HR professionals in every African country.

Celebrating leaders who are driving change

This recognition celebrates leaders who are driving change, setting standards, and inspiring the next generation of HR talent.

Each edition of HR Excellence Spotlight not only celebrates excellence but also fosters dialogue and knowledge sharing among HR leaders through the HR Excellence mindset video series, making it a must-read for those passionate about HR's evolving role in Africa. Read on to explore the leadership mindsets that sets the best HR leaders apart.

Recognizing Mali's Best:

Aminata Coumba Ba

Human Resources Manager, Bank of Africa - Mali

Aminata is an accomplished professional specializing in organizational management and budget preparation. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her expertise in client management and digital products, including managing institutional accounts during her 12-year tenure at Ecobank Mali.

Aminata holds a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from Technolab-Ista and a Maitrise in Accounting and Financial Techniques from the Institut Universitaire de Gestion. Her blend of financial acumen and organizational expertise positions her as a key contributor to business success and operational excellence.

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Sanogo Oumar

Employee Relations Supritendent at Firefinch Limited

Sanogo Oumar is a seasoned HR professional with over 18 years of experience, specializing in industrial and employee relations. As the Industrial Relations & Employee Relations Superintendent at Firefinch Limited in Mali, he leads efforts in recruitment, payroll management, conflict resolution, and union negotiations, ensuring harmonious workplace dynamics.

Renowned for his strong communication and negotiation skills, Sanogo excels at liaising with government officials and managing complex HR processes, including staff transfers. His expertise and strategic approach to workforce management make him a trusted leader in creating collaborative and efficient work environments.

 
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Mama Seyni Traore

Head of HR Department, TotalEnergies Marketing Mali

Mama is a highly skilled HR professional with extensive expertise in personnel administration and ensuring compliance with social security regulations. He excels in preparing HR budgets, developing training plans, and delivering insightful reporting, driving efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.

Renowned for his exceptional organizational skills, Mama has made a significant impact on HR operations in Bamako, Mali, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in workforce management and development.

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Hermand Zagré

Human Resources Director, Ecobank Mali

Hermand Zagré is a visionary HR leader with over a decade of transformative experience across West Africa. Since 2019, he has been driving innovation and excellence as the Human Resources Director at Ecobank Mali. Renowned for his strategic approach, Hermand specializes in organizational development, talent management, and creating dynamic HR frameworks that deliver measurable impact.

His expertise extends to managing diverse teams, implementing forward-thinking HR strategies, and leading complex projects that enhance business performance. A catalyst for growth and change, Hermand has consistently aligned HR operations with organizational goals, making him a key architect of Ecobank Mali’s success story.

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Dr Aboubacar S. Kanté

Human Resources Director, SEMAF SA (Société d'Exploitation de Manantali et Félou)

Dr. Aboubacar Kanté is a distinguished HR leader with over 20 years of experience across diverse roles and industries. Beginning his career as an HR Consultant at APPM, he has since held pivotal positions at Embalmali and Energie Du Mali, where he shaped transformative workforce strategies and leadership development initiatives.

Dr. Kanté holds a Doctorate in Management Sciences from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers and a Master’s in Training Engineering from Université Toulouse 1 Capitole. A committed advocate for professional excellence, he has been a member of Académie N’Ko Mali since 2020 and served for over seven years on the HR and Training Committee of the Association of African Electricity Companies. His legacy reflects a profound impact on HR innovation, capacity building, and organizational success across Africa.

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Joseph Diarra

HR Manager, Bolloré Transport & Logistics Mali

Joseph Diarra is an experienced HR and change management professional, currently serving as HR Manager at Bolloré Transport & Logistics in Mali since December 2022. With a career spanning over two decades, he has held senior HR roles, including leading the HR Department at Bank of Africa for 11 years, where he specialised in payroll management, change management, and HR strategy. He also managed HR operations at Handicap International for five years, focusing on employee administration and implementing mobility, recruitment, and training procedures. Joseph holds a Master’s

in Legal Sciences from ENA and has further specialised in change management at ESSEC Business School. 

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Fatoumata Faike Sidibe

HR Management Manager, SOTELMA-MALITEL

Fatoumata Faike Sidibe is a dynamic HR professional with expertise in recruitment, employee integration, contract management, and HR policy development. Currently at SOTELMA-MALITEL in Bamako, she drives impactful HR strategies that empower teams and boost organizational success.

She holds a master’s degree in Business Law from the Université de

Bamako and is skilled in project planning and contract management.

Fatoumata’s dedication and expertise make her a standout leader in the HR field.

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Boubacar H. Angoiba

Human Resources Manager / HR Superintendent, B2Gold Corp.

Boubacar H. Angoiba is a highly accomplished HR leader with over seven years of transformative experience at B2Gold Corp. in Mali. He spearheads talent acquisition, administration, and development, playing a pivotal role in implementing B2Gold Mali’s Human Capital Plan and driving organizational success.

Previously, Boubacar led impactful training and organizational development initiatives, focusing on employee mobility, career management, and project evaluation. As a Senior HR Officer, he excelled in managing recruitment, employee relations, and HR administration, showcasing his strategic vision and operational excellence.

Boubacar holds a Master’s in Management from the University of Mali and is widely respected for his adaptability, precision, and outstanding interpersonal communication skills, making him a standout professional in the HR domain.

 
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Mamadou Kolo Kouyate

Director Human Resources, BICIM Groupe Atlantic

Mamadou Kolo Kouyaté is a seasoned leader with over 22 years of excellence in the banking sector, blending strategic vision with operational expertise. 

Throughout his career at BICIM, Mamadou has held pivotal roles, including Head of General Administration, Electronic Banking, and Purchasing and General Resources, where he consistently delivered transformative results.

Since 2017, he has been driving HR innovation and workforce excellence as Director of Human Resources,

building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of success.

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Youssouf Diallo

Human Rescources Manager, ATC Mali

Youssouf Diallo is an accomplished HR leader with over a decade of experience at ATC Mali, including six years as Head of Human Resources. He excels in driving HR operations, talent management, and workforce development, ensuring a thriving and efficient organization.

Before his leadership role, Youssouf gained extensive HR experience as an Assistant at both ATC Mali and EDM SA. His career began as a teacher, where he developed strong communication and leadership skills that continue to shape his HR success.

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Kassoum Diarra

HR Superintendent, Papillon Resources Limited

Kassoum Diarra is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience, including roles as HR Director at Mine de Syama and Personnel Manager at Mine de Morila SA, where he built a strong foundation in HR operations and workforce management.

Known for aligning talent strategies with organizational goals, Kassoum’s leadership has consistently driven success. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, Bamako, and completed the Intermediate Management Programme at the University of Cape Town, combining academic expertise with practical leadership excellence.

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Negue Bakary Coulibaly

Human Resources Director, Groupe SECURICOM

Negue is a seasoned leader in HR management and organizational development. His tenure reflects a deep commitment to fostering talent and driving sustainable growth within the company.

Holding a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Mali, Negue’s impact extends beyond the workplace. Actively involved in community initiatives such as environmental sanitation, reforestation, and supporting the underprivileged, he embodies a humanistic approach to leadership.

Negue’s combination of strategic expertise and a

people-centered philosophy has cemented his reputation as a transformative leader in Mali’s HR landscape.

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Mohamed Marcel Diallo

Head of General Services and Human Resources, SONAVIE Officiel

Marcel is a dynamic leader shaping HR and general services in Bamako, Mali. As the Head of General Services and Human Resources at SONAVIE Officiel, he oversees strategic operations that drive organizational success. Since 2004, he has also served as HR Director at Groupe SECURICOM, delivering transformative HR solutions.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to community development, actively leading youth associations and contributing to humanitarian initiatives.

Mohamed’s leadership, dedication, and vision continue to make a significant impact in the HR and community sectors.

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Abdoulaye Toure

Head of HR Development Department at Banque Malienne de Solidarité-BMS SA

Abdoulaye is an experienced HR professional, currently leading HR Development at Banque Malienne de Solidarité (BMS SA) in Bamako, Mali. With over a decade of expertise, he has managed strategic HR initiatives at Banque Atlantique and served as Country HR and Organizational Development Advisor for Plan International.

Abdoulaye holds a Master’s in HR Management from Sup Management, a Business Law degree from FSJP, and certifications including the Catalyst Leadership Programme from Plan International, reflecting his strong foundation in HR and leadership.

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Quenum Bongoua

Senior Human Resource Coordinator at Internation Rescue Committee, Mali

Quenum Bongoua is a highly accomplished HR professional with over 12 years of experience managing human resources across Africa and Haiti.

As the Senior Human Resources Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee in Mali, he drives HR strategy, performance management, and organizational development in complex environments.

His expertise spans diverse socio-economic contexts, where he has consistently delivered impactful HR frameworks and solutions.

Renowned for his adaptability and strategic mindset, Quenum excels in transforming HR challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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Sekou Diallo

Head of Human Capital Administration Department, Coris Bank International Mali

Sekou Diallo is an HR professional with over eight years of experience at Coris Bank International. Currently, he serves as the Head of Human Capital Administration at Coris Bank International Mali, a role he has held since July 2023. Previously, he managed human capital administration for Coris Bank International in Burkina Faso. Sekou’s career also includes experience with Groupe 2M Consulting, where he gained foundational HR skills. He holds a master's degree in human resources management from Technolab-ISTA and a Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie in Business Administration from IHEM. 

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Dakouo Achille

Deputy Human Resources Director, FEKOLA / B2Gold Mali

Dakouo is a highly accomplished HR leader, currently serving as the Deputy HR Director at FEKOLA / B2Gold Mali. With over seven years of progressive experience, including four years as HR Superintendent at FEKOLA and 13 years as HR Systems & Reporting Officer at SEMOS, Dakouo has proven his ability to drive transformative HR strategies and manage complex HR systems with precision.

He holds a Master’s in Business Administration specializing in HR Management from TechnoLab ISTA and a Post-Graduate Certificate in General Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Known for his strategic vision, operational excellence, and ability to lead HR functions at scale, Dakouo’s expertise is invaluable in optimizing talent management and aligning HR operations with business objectives.

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Oumar Traore

Human Resources Manager, SGS

Oumar Traore is a seasoned HR professional with over 12 years of experience in the mining industry, currently serving as the Human Resources Manager at SGS in Bamako, Mali. Oumar’s expertise spans across recruitment strategies, workforce planning, HRIS management, and strategic HR operations.

Prior to his current role, he was a Senior HR Specialist at B2Gold Corp., where he played a key role in shaping talent acquisition strategies. He also held leadership positions such as Site Administrator and Operations Excellence Administrator for EMEA, demonstrating his ability to drive HR initiatives across regions.

With a Master’s in Legal Sciences and specialized HR Management training from Talent Plus, Oumar is known for his exceptional skills in contract administration, employee relations, and strategic planning—making him an invaluable asset to any organization.

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Amadou Drame

Head of Recruitment and Careers Department at BNDA Mali

Amadou Drame is a dynamic HR leader with over 5 years of experience in strategic workforce planning. As the Head of Recruitment and Careers at BNDA Mali since 2018, he drives talent acquisition and career development to align with organizational goals. Previously, Amadou was the HR Director at KMR-SA and HR Manager at Delta-Concept SARL, where he honed his expertise in recruitment and HR strategy.

A graduate of the University of Reims with a Master’s in Public and Private Administration in Africa, Amadou also teaches HR management at top Bamako institutions. His proven leadership, strategic mindset, and commitment to talent development make him an invaluable asset to any organization.

 
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Alhadji Oumar Toure

HR Manager at Banque Commerciale du Sahel (BCS-SA) in Mali

Alhadji Oumar TOURE is a dynamic HR professional with 10 years of experience, currently serving as HR Manager at Banque Commerciale du Sahel (BCS-SA) in Mali since 2018. He excels in creating talent-centric environments that foster performance and align company needs with employee potential. His expertise spans sectors such as research, NGOs, consulting, telecom, and banking. Oumar holds a masters in human resource management from ISIG (now Université Aube Nouvelle) and a masters in international Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from KALU Institute. Renowned for his leadership skills, he focuses on professional team development and operational efficiency. 

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Adama Tangara

Human Resources Manager at Oryx Energies, Mali

Adama is an accomplished HR professional with over six years of experience at Oryx Energies in Bamako, Mali. He excels in HR policy development, recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee relations, ensuring effective workforce management. Adama is skilled in payroll management, social dialogue, and navigating union negotiations, driving a positive work environment. Previously, as Recruitment and HR Development Manager at Manutention Africaine Mali, he led recruitment and training programs, significantly enhancing employee development. Adama’s expertise and leadership make him a key player in shaping successful HR strategies.

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Mohamed Ag Acharom

HR Director and Compensation Specialist at GIE Achcar Mali Industries

With over 15 years of experience in HR leadership, Mohamed excels in driving HR strategy, employee development, and organizational transformation. As the HR Director at GIE Achcar Mali Industries, he shapes recruitment, training, and employee relations to align with business objectives. His impactful tenure as Senior HR Manager at Huawei Technologies highlights his capacity for leading large-scale HR functions and optimizing talent management strategies. Holding an MBA in HR Management and a Master’s in Applied Foreign Languages, Mohamed combines strategic insight with a deep understanding of human development to foster high-performance teams and drive sustainable growth. His leadership in compensation and HR systems makes him a key player in any organization’s success.

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Shengzi Zhou

Country HR Manager at Huawei, Mali

As the Country HR Manager at Huawei in Mali since 2011, Zhou has successfully led HR operations for over 17 years, demonstrating deep expertise in talent management, recruitment strategies, and large-scale HR initiatives. His extensive experience includes managing multi-region conferences and training sessions, as well as implementing comprehensive HR functions across diverse teams. Zhou holds a Master’s in Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he was an active student council member. His strategic vision and leadership in HR have been instrumental in driving Huawei's success in Mali and beyond.

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Faya Coulibaly

HR Coordinator at Waraba Mining in Bamako, Mali

Faya Coulibaly is an accomplished HR Coordinator at Waraba Mining in Bamako, Mali, where he has been contributing since May 2024. In this role, Faya plays a pivotal part in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and procedures. He ensures efficient personnel administration, oversees performance management, and coordinates all HR operations, fostering talent retention and employee engagement. Faya is committed to promoting staff development and recognition and supports the implementation of business and growth policies. His experience reflects a strong focus on strategic HR management and operational excellence. 

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Barthélemy Poudiougo

Human Resources Manager at Mahne Industries

Barthélemy Poudiougo is the Human Resources Manager at MAHNE INDUSTRIES in Bamako, Mali, where he’s been instrumental in driving innovative HR strategies since January 2024. Known for his practical, results-oriented approach, Barthélemy’s journey began as an HR trainee at AFRIK EMPLOI, where he quickly developed a keen understanding of personnel management and organizational dynamics.

With a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from ISPRIC, Barthélemy specializes in talent development, employee engagement, and creating HR frameworks that align with business goals. His ability to foster positive work cultures and enhance employee performance has made him a key asset to MAHNE INDUSTRIES, where he is shaping the future of HR to empower teams and drive success.

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What Sets Great HR Leaders Apart?

True HR leadership extends beyond skills and qualifications; it’s anchored in the powerful mindsets that enable some HR professionals to excel and make a lasting impact. Are you ready to shift your perspective and elevate your leadership from good to truly exceptional?

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