Pernod Ricard Africa has once again been certified as a Top Employer 2026 in Africa, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition and reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s leading people-focused organisations.
The milestone was announced by Sola Oke, Managing Director at Pernod Ricard, who described the achievement as a reflection of sustained investment in workplace culture, leadership development and employee experience across African markets.
Beyond the continental accolade, the company also earned country-level Top Employer certifications in Angola, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The multi-country recognition highlights what the organisation describes as a consistent and harmonised people strategy implemented across diverse operating environments.
Consistent People Experience Across Markets
The Top Employer certification assesses organisations on a wide range of human capital metrics, including talent acquisition, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, performance management and leadership effectiveness. Achieving recognition across multiple countries signals alignment in policies, governance standards and employee engagement frameworks.
According to company leadership, the recognition validates a long-term commitment to building an inclusive workplace where employees feel supported, valued and empowered to perform at their best. Central to this strategy is the “One Africa Team” philosophy, which seeks to create cohesion across markets while respecting local contexts and cultural nuances.
From Recognition to Lived Experience
Oke emphasised that the ambition to be the “Best Place to Work in Africa” extends beyond branding or corporate messaging. Instead, he described it as a measurable objective anchored in creating a work environment where employees can grow professionally, contribute meaningfully and thrive personally.
Industry analysts note that in an increasingly competitive talent landscape, multinational companies operating in Africa face rising expectations from employees around purpose, inclusion, flexibility and career mobility. Sustained recognition as a Top Employer can strengthen talent retention, enhance employer branding and support long-term business performance.
Acknowledging Leadership and Teams
The Managing Director credited leaders, HR teams and employees across all markets for driving the cultural consistency that underpins the certification. He noted that workplace excellence requires daily commitment — from leadership accountability to grassroots engagement — in order to translate policy into practice.
As Pernod Ricard Africa continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its operations on the continent, the latest recognition positions the company not only as a major player in the beverage industry, but also as a benchmark employer committed to sustainable growth through its people.
