Expanding into Africa comes with huge potential.
But for international companies, hiring and managing people across multiple African countries can get complicated fast.
Payroll laws differ from country to country. Employment regulations shift. Compliance risks multiply.
That’s where HR outsourcing companies come in.
These firms take over your HR operations – payroll, benefits, compliance, recruitment, onboarding – so your business can scale across Africa without needing to build an in-house HR department.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 HR outsourcing companies in Africa, their key features, coverage, and pricing models, plus how to choose the right one for your business.
Key Takeaways
- HR outsourcing in Africa is growing fast as global companies expand into the continent’s emerging markets.
- These firms handle everything from payroll, compliance, and benefits to local hiring and onboarding, helping businesses avoid the hassle of setting up entities.
- The top 10 HR outsourcing companies in Africa include global names like Deel and Globalization Partners, and Africa-focused leaders like Betternship, Workpay, and Africa HR Solutions.
- Pricing models are generally custom, depending on team size and country coverage, but range between $200–$600 per employee/month for EOR services.
- Betternship stands out for its tech-driven HR platform and dedicated support for international companies hiring across multiple African countries.
Why HR Outsourcing Is Booming in Africa
Africa’s workforce is one of the youngest and fastest-growing in the world. Remote work and digital tools have made it easier for companies abroad to tap into this talent.
Still, hiring across borders involves navigating tax laws, employee benefits, contracts, and compliance; all of which can be costly if done wrong.
HR outsourcing simplifies that.
Instead of setting up a local entity, companies can partner with an HR outsourcing or Employer of Record (EOR) provider to handle the full employment process on their behalf.
The results are:
- Faster hiring across multiple countries
- Lower overheads
- Legal and payroll compliance
- Access to top African talent without physical presence
Top 10 HR Outsourcing Companies in Africa (2025 Edition)
Below are the best providers helping global and regional companies manage HR operations across Africa.
1. Betternship
Headquarters: Ibadan, Nigeria
Coverage: 15+ African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa…
Key Services: Employer of Record (EOR), Recruitment, Payroll Management, HR Compliance, Internship & Graduate Hiring, Global HR Support
Pricing: Custom pricing based on team size and services needed
Ideal For: International companies hiring across Africa or expanding regional teams
Why It Stands Out:
Betternship provides a full-suite HR outsourcing experience tailored to Africa’s unique employment landscape. It combines modern technology with a strong local presence to help companies hire talent, run compliant payroll, and manage distributed teams effortlessly.
Beyond EOR services, Betternship also helps global startups and businesses access vetted African tech and business talent pools, from interns to senior professionals, and manage them compliantly across borders.
If you’re hiring or expanding into Africa, Betternship helps you stay compliant while scaling faster.
2. Deel
Headquarters: San Francisco, USA
Coverage: 150+ countries, including several across Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt)
Key Services: Global EOR, Payroll, Contractor Management, Benefits Administration
Pricing: Starts around $599 per employee/month (EOR model), varies by country
Ideal For: Global companies managing hybrid or remote teams worldwide
Why It Stands Out:
Deel’s strength lies in its technology. It simplifies onboarding, contracts, and payments in multiple currencies. For Africa, it partners with regional legal entities to ensure local compliance. However, pricing can be higher compared to Africa-native providers.
3. Workpay Africa
Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
Coverage: 40+ African countries
Key Services: Payroll, HRIS, EOR, Time Tracking, Benefits Administration
Pricing: Custom pricing depending on the number of employees
Ideal For: SMEs and growing businesses hiring across East and West Africa
Why It Stands Out:
Workpay is built by Africans for Africa. Its HR and payroll software integrates with local tax systems and banks, making it ideal for regional companies or international teams focused on African expansion.
4. Workforce Africa
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
Coverage: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa
Key Services: HR Outsourcing, Recruitment, Training, Workforce Management
Pricing: Custom quote depending on HR scope
Ideal For: Large companies and organizations seeking full-service HR outsourcing
Why It Stands Out:
Workforce Africa has decades of experience managing large-scale HR operations for multinational corporations across the continent. They combine outsourcing, staff leasing, and HR consulting, making them a reliable partner for complex workforce needs.
5. SeamlessHR
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
Coverage: 20+ African countries
Key Services: HR Software (HRIS), Payroll Automation, Compliance Tools, Employee Self-Service Portals
Pricing: SaaS-based, subscription pricing varies by company size
Ideal For: Businesses looking to digitize and automate HR functions
Why It Stands Out:
While not a traditional outsourcing company, many businesses use its system alongside outsourced HR teams to manage payroll and compliance efficiently.
📘 Read next: How to Hire and Pay Employees in Africa (2025/2026 Guide)
6. Africa HR Solutions
Headquarters: Mauritius
Coverage: 40+ African countries
Key Services: EOR, Payroll, Global Mobility, Employee Benefits, HR Administration
Pricing: Custom depending on location and headcount
Ideal For: International companies entering multiple African markets
Why It Stands Out:
Africa HR Solutions focuses solely on Africa, offering wide coverage and deep compliance expertise. They provide country-specific guidance for onboarding, taxes, and legal frameworks, making them a solid choice for multinational firms.
7. Atlas (formerly Atlas EOR)
Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Coverage: 160+ countries, including several in Africa
Key Services: EOR, Payroll, HR Compliance, Benefits Management
Pricing: Around $595 per employee/month (EOR)
Ideal For: Large enterprises expanding into new regions
Why It Stands Out:
Atlas brings strong global coverage and enterprise-grade HR outsourcing capabilities. It’s suitable for companies managing large, distributed teams across Africa and beyond.
8. Safeguard Africa
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Coverage: Southern and East Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia)
Key Services: HR Outsourcing, Payroll Processing, Compliance Consulting
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size
Ideal For: Businesses operating across Southern Africa
Why It Stands Out:
Safeguard Africa focuses on compliance and payroll accuracy for regional operations. They offer hands-on support and a strong local presence, which appeals to firms seeking direct, on-the-ground expertise.
9. Globalization Partners (G-P)
Headquarters: Boston, USA
Coverage: 180+ countries, including several in Africa
Key Services: Global EOR, Payroll, Contractor Management, HR Compliance
Pricing: Starts at about $650 per employee/month
Ideal For: Enterprises with complex multi-country teams
Why It Stands Out:
G-P is one of the biggest global players in HR outsourcing. Their technology-driven platform simplifies hiring, onboarding, and paying employees anywhere in Africa. The only drawback is higher pricing compared to regional providers.
10. PaySpace
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Coverage: 40+ African countries
Key Services: Payroll Outsourcing, HR Software, Compliance Management
Pricing: Subscription-based, custom by region
Ideal For: Companies seeking a tech-driven HR and payroll solution
Why It Stands Out:
PaySpace combines cloud-based HR software with managed payroll services. It’s known for automation, local tax compliance, and integrations with enterprise systems, making it a favorite among mid-sized African businesses.
💼 Looking to hire? Post a job for free on Betternship
How to Choose the Right HR Outsourcing Partner in Africa
With so many HR outsourcing companies to choose from, the key is to pick one that fits your expansion goals, budget, and compliance needs.
Here’s how to evaluate your best fit:
1. Country Coverage
Africa isn’t a single market. Each country has its own labor laws, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
If you plan to hire in multiple countries, make sure your HR partner covers all of them and understands local nuances.
Example: Betternship and Africa HR Solutions specialize in multi-country HR management across both Anglophone and Francophone regions.
2. Compliance Expertise
Labor laws in Africa can change frequently. The right HR partner should not only handle payroll but also manage legal contracts, social security contributions, and tax filings on your behalf.
This is crucial for avoiding fines and staying compliant with local authorities.
3. Pricing Transparency
Some HR outsourcing companies charge per employee, others charge flat monthly rates.
Ask for a detailed cost breakdown – onboarding fees, payroll processing fees, and exit costs – before signing a contract.
4. Customer Support and Local Presence
Local expertise is non-negotiable. You’ll want a partner who understands the realities of doing business in Africa, not just one offering a global template.
Providers like Betternship, Workpay, and Workforce Africa combine tech and on-ground support, which is valuable for smooth operations.
The Future of HR Outsourcing Companies in Africa
As Africa becomes a major hub for global talent, HR outsourcing will continue to evolve.
The shift to remote work and flexible hiring has made Africa one of the most strategic destinations for outsourcing HR and talent operations.
From payroll automation to compliance-as-a-service, expect more providers to emerge — but the best ones will remain those that truly understand the continent’s diversity, regulatory landscape, and workforce potential.
Conclusion: Simplify African Hiring with the Right Partner
Expanding into Africa shouldn’t feel overwhelming. The right HR outsourcing company can help you hire fast, stay compliant, and manage teams seamlessly across multiple countries.
If you’re planning to grow your team in Africa, Betternship makes it easy.
From recruitment and onboarding to payroll and compliance, Betternship helps international companies manage HR operations across the continent.
Hire and manage African talent confidently.