PwC is the second best place to work in Africa, best in Nigeria for women

Great Place to Work has conducted its annual award ceremony to recognise firms that are making significant contributions to improving employee conditions across Africa, and Big Four accounting and advisory firm PwC has taken away considerable plaudits from the ceremony.

The global professional services firm received a number of nominations in the ‘Large Organisation’ category, and was recognised in two particularly favourable fields. Overall, the firm ranked as the second Best Company to Work for in Africa, while Sterling Bank took the top spot.

Meanwhile, PwC made it to the top of a list as well, one that will provide a considerable boost to the firm’s image on the continent. The firm was named the Best Place to Work for Women Employees in Nigeria, which pertains to an issue that is increasingly occupying a central position in debate in the region.

Gender parity and equality in the workplace have become key issues in Africa recently, with a number of firms declaring their commitment to improving conditions for women in the business environment. Consultancy firm Mercer recently declared that it would work on promoting gender balance within its workplace, and urged other major firms to do so.

PwC has now been recognised for its efforts in that domain, specifically in the Nigerian context. The firm received the award and the Great Place to Work Awards dinner for Africa, which was held at the institute’s Nigeria centre. PwC emerged ahead of another 100 firms in the list.

These firms include a number of high profile agencies operating in Nigeria, ranging from multinational corporations to public sector enterprises and oil companies. NGO’s in Nigeria’s vast economic environment were also among the list of firms evaluated, which makes PwC’s victory even sweeter.

Great Place to work has been growing increasingly active in the African context, particularly in Nigeria, where the institute declared its intentions last year to forge partnerships with local firms with the specific objective of promoting international best practices vis-à-vis improving the workplace environment.

Commenting on the award, Country Senior Partner for PwC Nigeria Uyi Akpata said, “Over the years, we’ve listened to our employees and learned from experience that by giving people the flexibility, the benefits and the support they need to be great parents, they will put their best to work. We believe you can be fully committed to your family, while having a rewarding career. And we are proud that our Mentor Moms’ programme has continued to make a difference in the lives of our female employees.”