Understanding Your Value: Salary Negotiation and Professional Positioning in Africa
In Africa, many skilled professionals struggle to gain the recognition they deserve. Often influenced by cultural norms that value modesty, this tendency hinders their advancement in competitive environments. Yet, knowing how to effectively market yourself isn’t a matter of ego, but a strategic skill essential for growth and prosperity.
The risks of insufficient positioning
Lack of self-promotion can lead to career stagnation, undervalued compensation, or a lack of international visibility.
- Career stagnation: Professionals who don’t showcase their skills struggle to stand out, limiting their advancement opportunities. In dynamic markets like Nigeria or Ghana, where local experts are in high demand, recruiters favor candidates who can clearly demonstrate their added value and accomplishments.
- Undervalued Compensation: Many African professionals accept salaries far below their actual value. According to Grey Search Africa, this phenomenon often stems from a lack of understanding of salary scales and insufficient preparation during negotiations.
- Missed international opportunities: Lack of visibility or networking often deprives African talent of global opportunities. While many international companies seek to diversify their teams, poorly exposed professionals remain off the radar of these recruiters.
The keys to promoting your skills
Self-esteem is a powerful weapon in a professional environment where excellence is often undervalued. That’s why it’s crucial to master the art of salary negotiation to assert your true worth and align your income with your skills and contributions.
- Build strong self-confidence: Salary negotiations begin with an honest assessment of your skills and accomplishments. Ask yourself the right questions: What are your strengths and measurable contributions? Identify three major achievements (e.g., revenue generated, savings achieved, projects completed) and prepare to present them clearly and convincingly. To better understand your market value, tools like Grey Search Africa’s Salary Guide offer precise benchmarks on salary standards in your sector.
- Invest in constant growth: Each new skill acquired increases your value. For example, in the technology field, certifications in software development or cybersecurity are highly sought after. Platforms like Irawo and LinkedIn Learning offer courses tailored to the specific needs of African professionals, strengthening your position in salary discussions.
- Adopt a persuasive and structured strategy: Thorough preparation is key to successful negotiations. Structure your speech using frameworks like the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). You can also join organizations like Toastmasters Africa to develop your public speaking skills. The confidence you demonstrate will strengthen your credibility and increase your chances of getting what you deserve.
Whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur, knowing how to sell yourself is crucial for boosting your career or positioning your company. Effective negotiation relies as much on your skills as on a solid understanding of the environment, company culture, and career prospects. By combining a strategic pitch with powerful tools, you maximize your impact and achieve your professional goals.
To better understand salary negotiation strategies or effectively recruit the right resources, don’t miss Leila Richard Touma’s free masterclass . Live or replayed, this exclusive masterclass will help you optimize your negotiations and build high-performing teams.
If you are looking for personalized and directly applicable advice, book a session with our Entourage experts.
