NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – Oriflame Cosmetics has announced plans to recruit 70,000 new direct sales consultants in East Africa in 2010, bringing its total sales force in the region to 100,000.
Speaking when he launched a recruitment campaign for the company’s top sales consultants, Oriflame East Africa Vice President Terje Widht, said the firm was living up to its mission this year by giving more people an opportunity to make money and have fun through the company’s unique business opportunity.
“Our growth pattern in East Africa has truly surprised us and looks more promising than some of our other markets around the world,” Mr Terje said.
The move is aimed at increasing the penetration of Oriflame products within East Africa.
Mr Terje revealed that Oriflame was in the process of formally launching in Tanzania after a successful entry into the Ugandan market.
“To signify our intentions, we will have our Oriflame Founder and Chairman, Robert af Jochnick, visit Tanzania later this month to meet with consultants and business leaders,” he said.
Oriflame was launched in Kenya in 2008 injecting Sh140 million which went towards recruiting and training consultants. During the launch, it was expected that Kenya would serve as the launching pad for the company as it looked to capture the emerging East African market.
Some 29,000 individuals from the region have so far joined the giant beauty company during its first year of operation.
Russia is Oriflame’s most active market with more than 500,000 sales consultants but also has a footprint in several North African countries such as Sudan and Egypt.
Mr Terje urged more Kenyans to join Oriflame and benefit from the unique business opportunity that allows individuals to make money and build future careers.
“The opportunity is open to all Kenyans as a full time career or as part time business engagement considering its great flexibility,” he said
Many Oriflame consultants are professionals who see an opportunity to make extra money and network with other professionals from around the world.
“The impact on the lives of ordinary people in terms of employment creation and helping women and men achieve desired looks and gain confidence has been incredible,” he added.
The Oriflame opportunity has been embraced by many who see it as a means to economic empowerment at a time the economy is struggling and the purchasing power of many Kenyans has been severely compromised.
