HR Excellence Spotlight: Senegal'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 Senegal's Best:

Ibrahima TRAORE

Director of Human Resources at Groupe Sonatel

Ibrahima is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in telecommunications and human resources. He has been the Director of Human Resources at SONATEL GROUP in Dakar, Senegal, since 2018. In this role, he oversees the company’s HR strategies and workforce initiatives.  

Before this, Ibrahima held the position of Chief Sales Officer at ORANGE-SONATEL for five years, managing key sales operations and strategies. His earlier roles at SONATEL included Director of the Commercial Agency of Partner Distributors and Director of Internet Services and Content, showcasing his expertise in commercial management and digital services.  

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Ouambi Pascal Ouedraogo

Director of Human Resources at Société Générale

Ouambi is a proactive HR executive with over two decades of experience in human resources, finance, and project management across various sectors.  

He currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at Société Générale Sénégal, where he has been leading HR initiatives since January 2022. Before this role, he was the Director of Human Resources and Training at Société Générale Burkina Faso for nearly five years, overseeing talent development and organisational management strategies.

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Serigne Mamadou Dieng

Director of Administration and Human Capital National Bank for Economic Development (BNDE)

Serigne is an experienced leader in administration and finance with over 15 years of experience across various sectors. He currently serves as the Director of Administration and Human Capital at the National Bank for Economic Development (BNDE) in Dakar, where he has been since October 2023.  

Before this role, Serigne held the Administrative and Financial Director position at Diamniadio Public Infrastructure Management Company (SOGIP.SA) from July 2016, overseeing budget coordination, tax management, HR, and overseeing accounting and internal procedures. His past roles include serving as the Administrative Financial Director at EGCD from April 2005 to September 2009.  

Serigne holds a Master's degree in Finance and Capital Markets from the Higher School of Management in Paris and another Master's in Administration and Management of Private Companies from Paul Valery University.  

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AISSATOU K.

Senegal Senior HR Manager at Woodside Energy

Aissatou is a seasoned HR and legal professional with over 20 years of experience across various industries. Currently, she serves as the Senior HR Manager for Senegal at Woodside Energy, a role she has held since August 2021. Before this, she was the Regional HR Manager at DHL Express for over eight years, overseeing HR functions across multiple regions. 

Aissatou holds a Doctorate in Private Law from the University of Perpignan and a DESS in Business Law from Université Paris V René Descartes. Her diverse human resources and legal management background makes her a valuable leader in regulatory compliance, ethics, and strategic HR practices. 

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Rokhaya Guissé B.

HR Recruiter / Talent Acquisition Manager Terranga Oil & Gas Services

Rokhaya is a results-driven recruitment expert with extensive experience in HR and project management. As a Recruitment Officer at Teranga Oil & Gas Services, she leads strategic talent acquisition, payroll management, and training initiatives that drive organizational success. Her prior experience as a Project Manager at BETA One, coupled with her expertise at Tectra Senegal and Montagu West, showcases her ability to attract top talent for complex roles, especially in data science and actuarial fields. With advanced qualifications in Tax Law and International Business Law, Rokhaya combines legal expertise with HR proficiency to deliver exceptional results across diverse sectors.

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Semou Diouf

Director of Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility at CFAO Automotive

Semou is a seasoned HR professional with over 16 years of experience in human resources and corporate communication. He is currently the Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility Director at CFAO Automotive Sénégal. Previously, he was the HR Director at SEDIMA HOLDING and PATISEN S.A.  

At Nestlé, he held various roles, including Corporate Communication & Public Affairs Manager for the Western Cluster and HR Manager overseeing recruitment, training, and development. His expertise focuses on enhancing organisational effectiveness and employee engagement. 

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Olugbenga Akinsanya

Regional Head of HR for Tata International Limited

Olugbenga Akinsanya is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience across West Africa. As Regional Head of HR at Tata International Limited, he oversees HR strategy for Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, supporting top brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. With a proven track record in talent management and organizational effectiveness, Olugbenga has previously led HR for PepsiCo Nigeria and worked with Diageo, CardinalStone Partners, and Unilever. He holds an MSc in International Law and Humanitarian Studies from the University of Ibadan and a BSc in English and French from the University of Ado-Ekiti.

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Pape Birame Fall

HR Operations Manager Orabank Group

Pape Birame Fall is an experienced HR professional currently serving as the Head of People Development at Orabank Group in Dakar, Senegal. He focuses on employee engagement and career growth.  

Previously, he was the HR & CSR Manager at Camusat, managing HR operations and implementing key strategies. Pape has also worked as a Human Resources Specialist at Groupe Baobab and as a Talent Manager at Medical HR in France. He began his career as a Human Resources Assistant at ACEP Senegal. Pape holds a Master's in Human Resources Management from the University of Lorraine.

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Souleymane Ndiaye

HR Director at Oryx Energies

Souleymane has been instrumental in driving HR strategies and enhancing organisational performance. 

Previously, Souleymane worked at Les Grands Moulins de Dakar for nearly 11 years, serving in various HR roles, including HR Development Manager, Recruitment and Career Management Manager, and HR Manager. He holds a Master's in Human Resource Management from Groupe SupDeco Dakar, where he focused on personnel administration. 

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Mbore Ndao

HR Senior Manager Total Energies

Mbore is an exceptional HR leader who focuses on enhancing employee engagement and organisational effectiveness. 

Before joining TotalEnergies, Mbore served as the HR Director at UBA Sénégal for nearly a decade and held HR training and development roles at Ecobank Sénégal for over six years. She holds a DESS in Human Resources Management from Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale and a Master's degree in Human Resources from the University of Lille. 

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Ndeye Arame SALL

HR Manager Groupe Baobab

Ndeye is a resourceful HR professional with over 12 years of experience in human resources management across various industries. She has been the HR manager at Groupe Baobab since February 2018.  

Before her current role, Ndeye held positions as an HR Assistant at International Staffing Company and Webhelp, where she honed her skills in recruitment, payroll management, and employee relations. She began her career in human resources at Ecobank Sénégal, where she spent nearly seven years. 

Ndeye holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from the Institut Superieur d'Informatique Applique et de Management in Agadir, Morocco, and a Bachelor's degree in Management of Human Resources from the Institut Superieur de Management in Dakar, Senegal.

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Dieynaba Ndiaye

HR Manager Marriott International

Dieynaba Ndiaye is an accomplished HR Manager with over seven years of experience in the hospitality sector. She currently serves as the Human Resources Manager at Marriott International in Dakar since April 2023.  
 
Prior to this, she was the HR Manager at Radisson, where she worked for over three years, overseeing HR functions and team management. Dieynaba began her career at Radisson Dakar Diamniadio as an HR Assistant and worked with Teyco Teyliom Construction. She holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from ESP Dakar. 

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Ngoné Diop

HR Director Raddisson Blu

Ngoné Diop is a seasoned HR professional with over 14 years of experience in human resources management within the hospitality and consulting sectors. She is currently the HR Director at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza, a position she has held since July 2023. 

Before this, Ngoné served as the HR Manager at KPMG Senegal for over four years, where she was instrumental in shaping HR strategies and practices. Her career began at Radisson Blu Hotel Dakar, where she held various HR roles, including Recruitment Officer and HR Assistant, starting in 2009. Ngoné has a proven track record of driving HR initiatives that enhance employee engagement and organisational performance. 

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Babacar GUEYE

HR Manager MODEC

Babacar Gueye is a skilled HR leader with over a decade of experience in human resources management across diverse sectors, including logistics and international development. 

Babacar has also served as the HR Business Partner Manager at Sitel and as HR Manager at Counterpart International, where he excelled in team leadership and staff development. His early career included significant HR roles in London, where he managed operations and recruitment for Night Freight and provided recruitment support as a freelancer. Babacar holds an MBA from the University of Brighton, where he graduated with honours. 

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Julienne Gomis

Director of Human Resources Kirene Group

Julienne Gomis is a dedicated human resources professional with over eight years of experience in HR management and organisational development. Currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Kirène Group, she has played a vital role in shaping the HR landscape. 

Julienne's educational qualifications include a Master’s degree in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Higher Institute of Management. She also completed a specialisation in Internal Communication at Institut Marketing. With her strong background in HR strategies and team management, Julienne is committed to building a productive and engaged workforce that aligns with organisational goals. 

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Marcel Glèlè

Director of Human Resources - NSIA Bank Senegal

Marcel Glèlè is an accomplished human resources leader with over 15 years of strategic HR management experience across various West African sectors. As the director of human resources at NSIA Bank Senegal, he has been instrumental in shaping HR strategies that align with the bank's goals since 2017.  

His prior roles include Head of Human Resources at Diamond Bank Plc and Group Human Resources Director at SOMAC Group, where he demonstrated expertise in leadership, organisational development, and compliance analysis. 

Marcel's educational background includes an MBA in Project Management and a Master’s in Organisation and Human Resources management from the University of Lomé.

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Khadidjatou Ndiaye

Human Resources Manager – KAI

Khadidjatou is a Human Resources Officer specialising in training and development at KAI in Dakar, Senegal, where she has been enhancing talent development since August 2024. In her role, she designs and implements training programs that align with the organisation’s strategic objectives, ensuring continuous learning and professional growth.

She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from WELL Dakar. Her diverse background in HR roles positions her as a valuable asset in supporting employee well-being and organisational success. 

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Marema Seck Siliman

Human Resources Manager - CFAO Infrastructure

Marema is an experienced Human Resources and CSR Manager currently working at CFAO Infrastructure in Senegal, where she focuses on implementing HR management policies and providing strategic guidance to the CEO and managers. With over six years of independent consulting experience, she has advised multiple organisations on HR practices and change management. 

Previously, Marema held roles as a human resources manager at Holding KBSB, GTI, and SENTERANGA and an HR project manager at AMD Corporate, where she managed payroll, recruitment, and temporary work processes. Her career began with positions as an HR Assistant in various organisations, including The Resto du Coeur and BSGP.
Marema holds two master's degrees in Human Resources Management from the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts and the National Conservatory of Music and Dance, equipping her with a robust personnel administration and management foundation. 

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Abraham Dethié Diouf

Director of Human Resources Nestle

Abraham is a seasoned HR leader with over a decade of experience managing human resources across diverse sectors. As the Director of Human Resources at Nestlé Senegal, he oversees all HR functions, ensuring optimal work conditions and aligning people strategies with company goals. Previously, he served as an HR Business Partner for Marketing and Sales across Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire and as HR Administration and Compliance Manager at Nestlé, where he contributed to compliance and HR operational excellence. 

Abraham holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management from SUP DE CO and a Master’s in Private Law from Gaston Berger University, combining his legal expertise and HR acumen. 

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Barane Thiam Gueye

HR Manager Africa Forward Services

Barane is an experienced HR professional focused on strategic HR planning and talent development. Currently the Human Resources Manager at Africa Forwarding Services in Dakar, Barane develops HR strategies aligned with the company's objectives, supervises talent acquisition, and oversees employee motivation and retention initiatives. Previously, he served as Acting HR Manager and Admin & HR Coordinator at DHL Global Forwarding, where he managed payroll, employee relations, and compliance while driving the employer branding and CSR efforts. 

He holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from the African Institute of Management and a Bachelor's degree in the same field from UCAD. 

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Ndeye Konate

Human Resources Manager Pfizer

Ndeye Konate is a dedicated human resources professional with extensive experience in strategic HR management and people operations. Currently serving as People Experience Manager at Pfizer, she is responsible for enhancing HR processes and employee engagement.  

Ndeye's HR expertise includes HR Specialist and Associate roles, managing talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance across Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. 

Her career began with roles in business administration, IT consulting, and web design, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of HR’s technological and strategic intersections. Ndeye holds an MBA from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Oklahoma State University. 

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Adja Ndicou Tall Talla

Human Resources Director Vivo Energy

Adja is a seasoned human resources professional with extensive leadership experience in HR management across various sectors. She has been the Human Resources Director at Vivo Energy, Senegal, since 2020, directing HR strategies and operations to support organisational goals. Before this, she was HR Manager for Senegal and Sub-Saharan Africa at VINCI Energies, contributing to workforce management across multiple regions. 

Adja’s expertise includes serving as a Human Resources Business Support Manager at Vivo Energy and as a Recruitment Officer at Adecco. She holds an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne and completed her Baccalaureate in General Education and Training at Mariama Ba Education House. Adja is committed to advancing HR practices, employee engagement, and talent development. 

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Alain Saar

Director of Human Resources The Shepherd’s Dairy

Alain Saar is an accomplished HR leader currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at The Shepherd’s Dairy. With over two decades of experience, Alain has held pivotal roles, including Principal HR Consultant at Ro&Partners and Director of HR at General Society Senegal.
 
His earlier roles at VINCI Concessions and Eurovia in France contributed to his expertise in HR development, talent management, and strategic operations. Alain holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management from SUP HR and a Human Resources Management License from Henac Belgium, bringing a wealth of experience in HR strategy and organizational leadership.

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Ousseynou Cissokho

Director of Human Resources Dakar Mobility

Ousseynou is a seasoned HR professional currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Dakar Mobility. With nearly two decades of experience in human resources across various sectors in Senegal, Ousseynou has held key roles such as HR Manager at Dakar Terminal and Director of HR at NECOTRANS.

His expertise includes compensation management, payroll administration, and HR policy analysis, with past positions at GMD Grands Moulins de Dakar and VIGASSISTANCE. Ousseynou’s background in payroll software and social benefit management underscores his commitment to employee welfare and organizational efficiency.

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Papa Blondin DIOUF

Director of Human Resources TOLSA

Papa Blondin Diouf is an experienced HR leader currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at TOLSA in Dakar, Senegal, where he oversees HR strategy for the Senegalese Phosphate Company.  

With expertise in HR and legal management, he previously held roles as Human Resources and Legal Affairs Manager at Ingenierie Construction SA and HR Manager at Icom Group. His comprehensive background includes workforce administration, payroll, compliance with labor regulations, and legal advisory for organizational leadership.  

Papa Blondin holds a Master’s in Legal and Strategic Management of Businesses specialising in HR Management, and a Master’s in Economic and Processual Notarial Law, both from UCAD. 

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What Sets Great HR Leaders Apart?

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