How we’re championing the future of HR for African SMEs—Maryam Yusuf 

In the dynamic landscape of African business, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the engines of growth, Maryam Yusuf stands out as a pivotal figure. As the Founder of Marvel Advisory Consulting LTD and the Lead Facilitator of the HR Consulting Mastery Course, Maryam is not just shaping HR practices; she’s revolutionizing how African SMEs leverage their human capital.

With over a decade of hands-on experience, Maryam’s journey began at Jobberman, Africa’s largest job board. There, she gained a profound understanding that a company’s success hinges on its people. This realization ignited a mission: to empower businesses by building effective teams and equipping HR professionals to drive transformative change from within.

Building Systems That Empower

Through Marvel Advisory Consulting LTD, Maryam has made a tangible impact on over 500 SMEs across Nigeria, influencing the management and professional development of more than 3,000 employees. Her firm provides SMEs with comprehensive HR support, enabling them to recruit top talent, enhance employee retention, and boost overall team productivity. Operating across diverse sectors such as fintech, retail, beauty, tech, and professional services, Marvel Advisory is dedicated to helping businesses scale sustainably by creating robust HR frameworks.

“Many SMEs struggle with HR because they view it as a secondary function,” Maryam explains. “But when HR is integrated strategically, it becomes a catalyst for growth. Our goal is to provide SMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to make HR a core strength.”

Upskilling the Next Generation

In 2024, Maryam launched the HR Consulting Mastery Course, an intensive training and mentoring program designed to equip HR professionals with the skills to excel as consultants. The course has already trained over 200 professionals in just two cohorts, with participants reporting significant career advancements, including doubling their income and transitioning into full-time HR consulting roles.

The program has partnered with Notch HR, a leading HR software company in Nigeria, to integrate technology and talent development, ensuring participants are well-versed in the latest HR tech solutions. “We’re not just teaching theory; we’re providing practical, hands-on training that prepares our participants to hit the ground running,” Maryam notes.

Cohort 3 of the HR Consulting Mastery Course is set to kick off on July 15th, 2025, with the aim of further expanding the pool of skilled HR professionals ready to support African SMEs.

Recent Achievements and Future Goals

Maryam’s achievements extend beyond individual business success. She has built a thriving ecosystem of HR freelancers and consultants capable of serving Africa’s 40 million+ SMEs. Recognized as a go-to consultant for HR structure, compliance, learning, and team management, she has rolled out HR frameworks that have transformed small businesses into employer brands of choice.

Looking ahead, Maryam has set an ambitious goal: to train 5,000 HR professionals by 2026 and launch a freelance HR & SaaS platform that will enable 100,000 SMEs to access expert HR support on demand.

Maryam is actively seeking corporate partners to sponsor HR upskilling initiatives and support SME development. She also welcomes collaborations with HR software and service companies to develop innovative tools and data-driven solutions. Media and ecosystem partners are invited to amplify the message of empowered HR as a driver for Africa’s economic growth.

“The future of work in Africa depends on our ability to equip SMEs with the HR support they need to thrive,” Maryam asserts. “This is not just about business; it’s about creating opportunities, empowering individuals, and building a stronger, more resilient economy.”

Maryam Yusuf is more than a consultant; she is a visionary building a movement to transform the African HR landscape.

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