A Systematic Review of Talent Management and Retention in African Organizations

Purpose: The goal of this paper is to explain how talent management practices affect the retention of African organizations by organized literature review of the available literature. Methodology and Design : The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were adhered to. This systematic review synthesized 18 empirical and peer-reviewed research articles published between 2019 and 2025, which were sourced from Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Taylor & Francis. The findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies included in the analysis were analyzed using descriptive content analysis across various African countries and sectors. Results: The paper identifies seven interconnected themes: 1. In this theme, the strategy is characterized by institutional challenges and context; 2. The integration of HR functions is a successful strategy; 3. Retention is contingent upon employee engagement; 4. External disruptions exacerbate precarity and the need for resilient systems; 5. Macro-frameworks and investments are the primary influencers. 6. Persistent cultural and gender barriers impede inclusive talent management, and 7. strategic HR development is a critical element of organizational effectiveness. Originality : This paper provides a comprehensive and timely analysis of talent management and retention practices in African organizations, transcending discussions to emphasize evidence-based actions and persistent obstacles. The paper provides researchers, HR practitioners, and policymakers with valuable insights to develop effective strategies for retaining talent in complex and evolving environments.