[Kenya] Funding boost to enhance workforce productivity in Africa

In Kenya, a new Sh1.3 billion funding initiative from Seamless HR and prominent investors aims to enhance workforce productivity in Africa by addressing HR challenges such as payroll inefficiencies and limited access to financial services, The Standard reports.

The programme has been created to address issues businesses and employees across the continent face, particularly in salary management and remaining compliant with local labour laws.

Many organisations in Kenya and throughout Africa continue to rely on outdated systems that hamper growth and impact employee experience.

The funding reportedly seeks to leverage technology to streamline human resource operations and improve efficiency. Its areas of focus include simplifying payroll processes, improving employee records management and expanding access to financial products such as loans and insurance for workers.

SeamlessHR - the Kenyan tech firm behind the initiative - said the funding would help accelerate its efforts to provide digital solutions that are tailored to local needs.

“Our focus is on empowering organisations to maximise their workforce potential while addressing the unique challenges they face,” Emmanuel Okeleji - SeamlessHR CEO - said.

The programme also seeks to bridge gaps in HR compliance by offering tools that align with regulatory frameworks across different African countries.

Dr Okeleji said that, by addressing these challenges, the initiative would reduce operational burdens for businesses while improving employee job satisfaction.

SeamlessHR is reportedly utilising $9 million in funding from the Gates Foundation and Helios Digital Ventures to transform workforce management across the continent.

Africa’s workforce has complex issues to contend with, including economic instability, limited access to credit, and outdated HR systems.

SeamlessHR’s platform combines advanced technologies - such as AI-driven workforce management and embedded finance products - to address such challenges.

“Our platform goes beyond traditional HR software,” Dr Okeleji said.

“We integrate AI and financial solutions to address systemic issues like underperformance in business operations and financial vulnerability among employees.”

 He added that the company’s approach is rooted in understanding the specific challenges faced by African workers.

Dr Okeleji reportedly expressed confidence that these embedded finance products would improve access to responsible credit for African workers, enabling them to meet basic life needs like shelter, mobility, food and education.

 “Global disruptions, including the pandemic and conflicts, have exacerbated inflation and food insecurity, affecting the most vulnerable working Africans,” he said.

SeamlessHR’s payroll financing and salary assurance services aim to alleviate financial strain by allowing employees to access funds before payday, reducing reliance on predatory lenders.

Helios Digital Ventures Managing Partner, Fope Adelowo, reportedly commended SeamlessHR’s role in breaking down barriers to financial inclusion.

“By offering salary assurance and enhanced wage access, they are at the forefront of transforming financial services for the African workforce,” Ms Adelowo said.

Source: The Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Kenya, a new Sh1.3 billion funding initiative from Seamless HR and prominent investors aims to enhance workforce productivity in Africa by addressing HR challenges such as payroll inefficiencies and limited access to financial services, The Standard reports.

The programme has been created to address issues businesses and employees across the continent face, particularly in salary management and remaining compliant with local labour laws.

Many organisations in Kenya and throughout Africa continue to rely on outdated systems that hamper growth and impact employee experience.

The funding reportedly seeks to leverage technology to streamline human resource operations and improve efficiency. Its areas of focus include simplifying payroll processes, improving employee records management and expanding access to financial products such as loans and insurance for workers.

SeamlessHR - the Kenyan tech firm behind the initiative - said the funding would help accelerate its efforts to provide digital solutions that are tailored to local needs.

“Our focus is on empowering organisations to maximise their workforce potential while addressing the unique challenges they face,” Emmanuel Okeleji - SeamlessHR CEO - said.

The programme also seeks to bridge gaps in HR compliance by offering tools that align with regulatory frameworks across different African countries.

Dr Okeleji said that, by addressing these challenges, the initiative would reduce operational burdens for businesses while improving employee job satisfaction.

SeamlessHR is reportedly utilising $9 million in funding from the Gates Foundation and Helios Digital Ventures to transform workforce management across the continent.

Africa’s workforce has complex issues to contend with, including economic instability, limited access to credit, and outdated HR systems.

SeamlessHR’s platform combines advanced technologies - such as AI-driven workforce management and embedded finance products - to address such challenges.

“Our platform goes beyond traditional HR software,” Dr Okeleji said.

“We integrate AI and financial solutions to address systemic issues like underperformance in business operations and financial vulnerability among employees.”

 He added that the company’s approach is rooted in understanding the specific challenges faced by African workers.

Dr Okeleji reportedly expressed confidence that these embedded finance products would improve access to responsible credit for African workers, enabling them to meet basic life needs like shelter, mobility, food and education.

 “Global disruptions, including the pandemic and conflicts, have exacerbated inflation and food insecurity, affecting the most vulnerable working Africans,” he said.

SeamlessHR’s payroll financing and salary assurance services aim to alleviate financial strain by allowing employees to access funds before payday, reducing reliance on predatory lenders.

Helios Digital Ventures Managing Partner, Fope Adelowo, reportedly commended SeamlessHR’s role in breaking down barriers to financial inclusion.

“By offering salary assurance and enhanced wage access, they are at the forefront of transforming financial services for the African workforce,” Ms Adelowo said.

Source: The Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)