Software engineer conducts code review to fix bugs, identifying technical issues with artificial intelligence company software. African american woman debugging and optimizing code using AI, camera A
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its Chief People Officers Outlook for September 2025, warning of weak talent availability in Sub-Saharan Africa, which includes Nigeria. The survey, conducted between May and June 2025 among more than 130 chief people officers, also highlighted artificial intelligence (AI), workplace culture and job redesign as top HR priorities for the year ahead.
The report noted that many companies are delaying recruitment and restructuring due to economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. Nonetheless, the human resources (HR) function is increasingly recognised as a strategic driver of business growth, with nearly all respondents confirming that HR now plays a central role in shaping company direction.
Regional data showed that Sub-Saharan Africa recorded some of the weakest expectations for talent availability over the next 12 months. In such contexts, workforce resilience will depend heavily on global talent strategies such as remote work, distributed teams and cross-border collaboration.
The study also pointed to changing worker expectations. Younger generations are demanding greater flexibility and purpose, with one chief people officer remarking that “today’s talent is confident, well informed and unapologetically selective.” Leaders were urged to reinforce workplace culture and cohesion in increasingly digital environments.
AI emerged as a key focus. HR leaders are now collaborating with technical teams to assess AI’s impact on jobs, redesign roles and implement upskilling programmes. Opportunities identified include automating repetitive tasks and supporting career development, while risks highlighted include skill erosion, ethical concerns and slow employee adaptation.
The WEF concluded that reviewing organisational structures, strengthening workplace culture and deploying AI are the three most pressing HR strategies for the coming year. It further stressed that business acumen, digital literacy and stakeholder influence are essential capabilities for HR leaders navigating disruption.
For Nigerian HR professionals, the report serves as a benchmark for measuring local workforce challenges against global trends, particularly in tackling talent shortages, managing shifting employee expectations and preparing for technological transformation.
