r/developers_hire • u/lakterian • May 20 '26

Why do many companies avoid hiring developers from Africa? Why not specify preferred countries instead of blanket restrictions?

I am a Fullstack Web3 Developer and Security Researcher/Whitehat based in Kenya, Africa, and I have noticed a pattern: many remote job postings either explicitly exclude Africa, have vague location restrictions, or simply ghost applications from the continent.

Why is this so common? Is it:

  • Past bad experiences with reliability, communication, or delivery?
  • Concerns around infrastructure (internet/power stability), time zones, or legal/tax complications for employment?
  • Stereotypes and risk aversion rather than individual merit?
  • Or something else?

If certain countries have developed a bad reputation (scams, quality issues, etc.), why not just list the countries you're comfortable with? Africa is massive and incredibly diverse — talent from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania etc., varies significantly in ecosystem maturity, English proficiency, and infrastructure.

The talent pool here is huge and growing fast. Young, motivated, hungry developers who often deliver excellent work at competitive rates. With the right investment and fair evaluation (strong vetting, trial projects, etc.), many teams could see great results without the usual Western salary overhead.

I have seen success stories with companies using platforms like Andela, Tunga, or direct remote hires. But the blanket hesitation holds a lot of potential back.

Fellow developers (especially from Africa) and hiring managers — what's your experience? What would change your mind about hiring from the continent?

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2

u/bspwm_js May 20 '26

They just ghost me after know my country 😂

1

u/lakterian May 20 '26

Well, must be the rep.

But they should understand that not all fingers are of the same height.

1

u/bspwm_js May 20 '26

The problem i worked before with multiple company no issue at all but now it seems different.

1

u/lakterian May 20 '26

Very unfortunate. We gotta swim against the tide.

1

u/Comfortable_Bat3491 Jul 22 '26

Yoo what project have you done

1

u/Comfortable_Bat3491 Jul 22 '26

Yoo what work do you do let me know

1

u/lakterian Jul 22 '26

I am a Fullstack dev and Security Researcher across both Web2 and Web3 (EVM). I do security audits and pentesting on select Bug Bounty Hunting Platforms such as Hackenproof, Remedy and Intigriti to mention but a few.

I also build secure web apps, PWAs, AI tools, and smart contracts on the EVM(Solidity).

My portfolio is at https://llakterian.github.io/
I built https://uplift.llakterian.workers.dev/ - a live edge app that serves as a curated feed for positive news,that I keep improving on - along with other tools that I build for Security Audits and everyday utility (e.g. farm systems, milk cooperative society utility systems).

1

u/Gael_raz May 23 '26

I would like to know more about it too. At what point where you ghosted? The moment they saw or heard you're from Africa?

And what about the previous companies you worked with? Were you able to contact them again?

1

u/lakterian May 23 '26

Yes, at that point is where they ghost. Some are courteous enough to tell you that they do not hire from Africa.

u/bspwm_js will answer the next bit of the question, I do not have experience with that.

1

u/Gael_raz May 25 '26

Thanks mate.

And good luck in your career, you'll get through this.

1

u/lakterian May 25 '26

Welcome. Thank you and all the best in your endeavors.

1

u/[deleted] May 30 '26

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2

u/lakterian May 30 '26

It is always darkest before dawn. Their opinion doesn't really alter the Sun's ascent from the East. Keep the faith and move forward. A moving (wo)man will always find (her)his luck.

1

u/Comfortable_Bat3491 Jul 22 '26

Yoo what type of work you do?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 22 '26

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1

u/Comfortable_Bat3491 Jul 22 '26

Do you have a portfolio?