Reversing Brain Drain in Africa: A Talent Strategy for Global Success with Ronak Gopaldas

Описание: By 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills. But what happens when our best and brightest are building Silicon Valley dreams instead of scaling solutions back home in Africa?

In the latest On Work and Revolution, Debbie chats to the sharp, bold, and always thought-provoking Ronak Gopaldas, Director at Signal Risk, about why the “talent exodus” narrative needs a rewrite – and how African countries, companies, and leaders can flip the script and win their talent back.

Debbie and Ronak explore:
✓ Reframing the brain drain: From binary “loss vs. gain” thinking to circular, win-win models of global talent engagement

✓ Push vs. Pull factors: Safety, governance, and prosperity are major drivers for emigration – but so are purpose, family, and quality of life for returning.

✓Jobs and infrastructure: Africa needs to build high-quality, future-forward employment opportunities and digital infrastructure to retain and attract talent.

✓ Policy and incentives: Countries like Mauritius are using innovative diaspora schemes; more governments and corporates should follow suit.

Questions Answered on this podcast:

How can we attract highly skilled diaspora talent back to our company or country?
Offer more than just a paycheck. Create high-impact roles with purpose, provide flexibility (remote/fractional options), and explore diaspora incentives like relocation support, tax breaks, or project-based advisory roles. Trust, leadership stability, and growth opportunities are key.

Is it worth investing in African-based digital upskilling programs when much of our talent is still emigrating?
Yes – because digital skills are not just retention tools, they’re exportable assets. Even if workers leave, they can still contribute via remittances, innovation, or returning later. Think of it as infrastructure for circular impact.

Can we benefit from African talent abroad even if they don’t move back?
Absolutely. Set up diaspora advisory councils, hire remotely, create project-based consulting roles, and partner on innovation initiatives. Talent engagement doesn’t require physical relocation—it requires smart connectivity.



Ronak's website (https://ronakgopaldas.com/)


Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn HERE (  / debbiegoodman1  )


Jack Hammer website (https://jhammerglobal.com)