Leading The Transformation: HR As A Catalyst For Organizational Success And Global Impact
Enjoy some amazing scenes from last year’s conference.
We are bringing together globally recognized HR executives, transformation leaders, policymakers, and business innovators from Africa and across the diaspora. You will gain direct exposure to enterprise-level strategies shaping the future of work, leadership, workforce transformation, and organizational growth.
This year’s sessions will explore practical applications of AI in recruitment, employee engagement, talent management, workforce analytics, automation, and organizational productivity. This is highly valuable for executives and HR leaders who want to future-proof their organizations and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment.
GCHRA creates a rare networking access to HR executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, consultants, investors, and C-Suite leaders from Africa, Europe, the U.S., the Middle East, and beyond. For professionals seeking partnerships, career advancement, collaborations, or international exposure, GCHRA provides a powerful relationship-building platform.
Our speakers for this year’s Global Conference on Human Resources Africa (GCHRA26).
Global CHRO, Board and HR Thought Leader
A Fortune 50 HR & Transformational leader, Michael has served as CHRO at Boeing, Citigroup, ADM, Toys”R”Us, and First Data Corporation, guiding organizations through large‑scale change and disruption. He’s a public company CEO, SHRM Board Member, and National Academy of Human Resources (NAHR) Fellow, widely known for elevating HR into a human‑centered, enterprise‑level growth engine.
Minister for Labour, Jobs & Employment – Ghana
Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo is a Ghanaian politician and development expert, currently serving as the Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment. He holds a PhD in Development Policy from the University of Ghana, a Master’s in International Affairs, a degree in Psychology, and a diploma in Economics. Dr. Pelpuo’s extensive academic background informs his approach to policy-making and economic development.
Your guide for the big day
| Time | Session | Speaker | Title / Organization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM | Registration, Coffee & NetworkingNetworking | In-Person | ||
| 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM | Welcome note from MCsWelcome | Delfina FrancoBenjamin Owusu Ansah | Managing Partner, Antal InternationalCo-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 09:10 AM - 09:15 AM | Planning Committee AddressRemarks | Rita KusiDavid Wilson | Co-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Strategy), GCHRACo-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Ops), GCHRA | Hybrid |
| 09:20 AM - 09:25 AM | Leading with Openness: Shaping Africa’s Growth Through Technology, Skills, and CultureAddress | Hon. Abdul Pelpuo (MP) | Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment | Hybrid |
| 09:30 AM - 09:35 AM | Partner remarks: Reaffirming SHRM’s Commitment to AfricaRemarks | Achal Khanna | CEO – SHRM APAC & MENA | Hybrid |
| 09:40 AM - 10:00 AM | Resetting Africa’s Promise: Harnessing Human Capital and AI for Economic Transformation: HR as the Engine of Sustainable Growth and Global CompetitivenessKeynote | Dr. Francis Eduku | Former CEO, CIHRM Ghana | Hybrid |
| 10:05 AM - 10:30 AM | Emerging Market Insights: India's Playbook for AfricaKeynote | Shiv Shivakumar | Author of The CEO Mindset, Chair of SHRM Advisory Council | Hybrid |
| 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM | HR PowerPlay Panel. Theme: HR Then and Now: Why You Should Be Nervous- Psychological Safety and Wellbeing in the Era of AIPanel | Rita Kusi (Facilitator)Tiwonge Mbale-ZyamboUzoaku NwobiDr. Yvonne A. Lamptey | Co-Founder, GCHRACo-Founder, Lead ConsultantAssoc. Director, PwC NigeriaDirector, HRODD, University of Ghana | Hybrid |
| 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM | Behind AI Tech - ClaudeInnovation Lab | EB Novak | Solutions Engineer at HiBob | Hybrid |
| 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM | Coffee & Network BreakBreak | In-Person | ||
| 11:45 AM - 11:50 AM | Mid-Day Remarks: Advancing Fair Labour Practices in a Changing World of WorkRemarks | Dr. Bernice Anowa Welbeck | Executive Secretary, National Labour Commission | Hybrid |
| 11:55 AM - 12:00 PM | The Boardroom Lens on Talent: Aligning people strategy with global business prioritiesAddress | Rosie Ebe Arthur | Board member, MTN | Hybrid |
| 12:10 PM - 12:15 PM | Innovation Labs: MTNInnovation Lab | Seyram Ampofo | Product Manager, MTN Ghana | Hybrid |
| 12:20 PM - 12:30 PM | Stakeholders Dialogue: Reimagining Africa’s Talent EngineDialogue | H.E. John Dramani MahamaMichael D'AmbroseShiv ShivakumarEsi Mmirba Wilson | President of GhanaFortune 50 HR LeaderAuthor, SHRM Advisory CouncilCHRO, MTN | Hybrid |
| 12:35 PM - 01:30 PM | Insights Lab: AI, Workforce Transformation, and SkillsInsights Lab | Dr. Kenneth MatosJeff Mac Boham | Insights Lab at HiBobHead of Research & Learning, GCHRA | In-Person |
| 01:35 PM - 02:35 PM | Lunch & NetworkingLunch | In-Person | ||
| 02:40 PM - 02:50 PM | Innovation Labs: PeoplesourceInnovation Lab | Bode Olutunbi | Managing Partner / CEO, Peoplesource Consulting, Master Partner, Management Drives Africa | Hybrid |
| 02:55 PM - 03:20 PM | Panel: Women in HR Tech: Real Talk, Real ImpactPanel | Dr. Sherron Carrion (Fac)Achal Khanna | Partner Relations, GCHRACEO – SHRM APAC & MENA | Hybrid |
| 03:25 PM - 03:35 PM | Innovation Labs: LinkedInInnovation Lab | Nuno Pereira | Regional Manager for Africa, LinkedIn | Hybrid |
| 03:40 PM - 03:45 PM | Innovation Lab: Atlas CopilotInnovation Lab | Guillermo Miranda | AI Readiness Leader, Co-Founder, Atlas Copilot | Hybrid |
| 03:50 PM - 04:50 PM | Fishbowl: Unfiltered Conversations on the Future of HR in AfricaFishbowl | Delfina Franco (Fac)Claire FieldingOluwarotimi DadaShiv Shivakumar | Managing Partner, Antal InternationalCulture Architect, SifaDirector, EMEA Advisory, AIRINCAuthor, SHRM Advisory Council | In-Person |
| 05:05 PM - 05:10 PM | Day 1 closing remarksClosing | Benjamin Owusu Ansah | Co-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 05:10 PM - 06:10 PM | Networking ReceptionNetworking | In-Person |
| Time | Session | Speaker | Title / Organization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Registration, Coffee & Network BreakNetworking | In-Person | ||
| 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM | Welcome note from MCsWelcome | Delfina FrancoBenjamin Owusu Ansah | Managing Partner, Antal InternationalCo-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 09:10 AM - 09:20 AM | Opening remarks: Human Capital for Africa’s Future - Bridging Education, Leadership, and Work in a Changing Global EconomyRemarks | Jeffery Mac Boham | Director, Research and Learning, GCHRA | Hybrid |
| 09:25 AM - 10:00 AM | Keynote Presentation: Africa's MomentKeynote | Michael D'Ambrose | Fortune 50 HR and Global Transformation Leader | Hybrid |
| 10:05 AM - 10:40 AM | Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Technology and Human Capital — Bridging Boardroom Strategy and HR Execution in the Digital Era: Lessons for Emerging MarketsFireside | Achal KhannaDr. Jeff Bassay | CEO – SHRM APAC & MENAFounder & Rector, Institute of Leadership and Strategy (ILS) | Hybrid |
| 10:45 AM - 11:20 AM | Spotlight on Africa and HR Huddle ConversationSpotlight | Deon de Swardt | Managing Partner, Africa People Advisory Group | In-Person |
| 11:25 AM - 11:50 AM | Coffee & Network BreakBreak | In-Person | ||
| 11:55 PM - 12:00 PM | Innovation Labs: JobbermanTech Demo | Kester Djanie | Head of Commercial, Ghana, Jobberman | In-Person |
| 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM | Ignite: AI for HR - What Every HR Pro Needs to KnowIgnite | G. Ayorkor KorsahMelody MukhwanaGuillermo Miranda | Head of CS & IS, Ashesi UniversityFounder, Humainly AICo-Founder, Atlas Copilot | Hybrid |
| 12:55 PM - 01:40 PM | Keynote: Skills First Employability in the Age of AIKeynote | Seamus Clancy | Head of Public Sector & NFP Sales, LinkedIn | Hybrid |
| 01:40 PM - 02:45 PM | Lunch & Networking BreakLunch | In-Person | ||
| 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM | Innovation Labs: SIFAInnovation Lab | Oluwarotimi Dada | Culture Architect, Sifa | Hybrid |
| 03:00 PM - 03:40 PM | Panel: Regional HR Associations: Current state of HR in AfricaPanel | David Wilson (Fac)Lisa MatomolaPaul Rumanda RugambwaJocelyne Uwamahoro | Co-Founder, GCHRACEO, IPM NamibiaPresident, HRMAU UgandaChairperson, RHRMO Rwanda | Hybrid |
| 03:45 PM - 04:25 PM | Insights: AI in Action with Microsoft 365 CopilotInsights | Daniel Vargas | Partner General Manager, M365 Copilot, Microsoft | Hybrid |
| 04:30 PM - 04:35 PM | Innovation Labs: Deel, powered by PaySpace Innovation Lab | Martin Kiragu | Account Executive, Deel Local Payroll | Hybrid |
| 04:50 PM - 04:55 PM | Innovation Labs: PWCInnovation Lab | PWC Representative | PWC | Hybrid |
| 05:00 PM - 05:40 PM | Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Technology and Human CapitalFireside | Achal KhannaDr. Jeff Bassay | CEO – SHRM APAC & MENAFounder & Rector, ILS | Hybrid |
| 05:45 PM - 05:50 PM | Launch GCHRA27Launch | GCHRA Committee & RHRMO | GCHRA | Hybrid |
| 06:00 PM - 06:05 PM | Closing 2026 remarks from MCsClosing | Delfina FrancoBenjamin Owusu Ansah | Founder, HR Network AfricaCo-Founder, SpeakWell International | Hybrid |
| Time | Session | Speaker | Title / Organization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM | From Prompts to Performance: Using Claude to Think, Write, and Decide at Executive LevelMasterclass | EB Novak | Solution Engineer, HiBob | In-Person |
| 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Leading with Purpose: The Foundational Steps to Effective LeadershipMasterclass | Ayman Rizk | Founder of HR Capsules, Global HR Consultant | In-Person |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Practical steps for driving workforce transformation in the age of AIMasterclass | David Tsey | Associate Director, Workforce Transformation, PwC Ghana | In-Person |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Technology Is Ready. Are Your People? Why AI Adoption Is an HR ProblemMasterclass | Melody Mukhwana | Founder, Humainly AI | In-Person |
| 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM | What Really Makes Talent Move? Designing Smarter Global Mobility StrategiesMasterclass | Claire Fielding | Director, EMEA Advisory, AIRINC | In-Person |
| 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM | AI in Action: Building AI frameworks to move from AI averse to AI enabledMasterclass | Jeff Mac Boham | Head of Research & Learning, GCHRA | In-Person |
Your guide for our Virtual Sessions
| Time | Session | Speaker | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
09:00
→
09:05 |
Welcome Note from VMCs
Opening
|
Pearl Lynn Badu
Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
| Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
11:16
→
11:30 |
Coffee & Network Break
Break
| — | Break |
11:33
→
11:43 |
Mindfulness Activity |
Coach Cass | Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
12:13
→
12:23 |
Keynote on Leading in the AI Age:
From HR Professional to Strategic
Business Influencer
Keynote
|
Emmanuel Michael
Director of Human Resources,
Eko Hotels & Suites
| Virtual |
12:24
→
12:28 |
Q&A
Q&A
| — | Virtual |
12:29
→
12:39 |
Insights: Chase the Flood:
Building a Resilient Culture that Runs
Toward Change, Not Away From It
Insights
|
Ayo Jones
AI Strategist & CEO,
Belonging Labs
| Virtual |
12:40
→
12:44 |
Q&A
Q&A
| — | Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
13:36
→
14:32 |
Lunch & Networking
Break
| — | Break |
14:20
→
14:30 |
BambooHR Hightlight |
Jeana | Virtual |
14:33
→
14:35 |
VMC to Welcome Everyone Back,
Intro Next Session |
Angela | Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
15:57
→
16:01 |
Introduction to Fishbowl Session |
Pearl | Virtual |
16:02
→
16:57 |
Panel Discussion:
Unfiltered Conversations on the
Future of HR Globally
Panel Discussion
|
FACILITATOR — Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
Emmanuel Michael
Director of Human Resources,
Eko Hotels & Suites
Azia Masood
Chief Corporate Services and
Coordination,
Power Planning and Monitoring
Company (PPMC)
Lashanta Smith
HR Executive, Influential Speaker,
and Innovative Thought Leader
Virtual Delegate
Anonymous
| Virtual |
16:58
→
17:03 |
Day 1 Closing Remarks |
Pearl | Virtual |
| Time | Session | Speaker | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
09:00
→
09:05 |
Welcome Note from VMCs
Opening
|
Pearl Lynn Badu
Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
| Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
10:41
→
10:51 |
Harmonizing the Multi-Generational
Workforce: From Friction to Fluidity
Insights
|
Yangeni Chendela
Director of People & Culture,
Lubona Meat Products Ltd
| Virtual |
10:52
→
10:56 |
Q&A
Q&A
| — | Virtual |
10:57
→
11:00 |
Wellness Break
Break
| — | Break |
11:01
→
11:16 |
Culture Transformation:
From Intent to Everyday Impact
in African Organisations
Insights
|
Esther Akinnukawe
Chief Human Resources Officer,
MTN Nigeria
| Virtual |
11:17
→
11:21 |
Q&A
Q&A
| — | Virtual |
11:24
→
11:49 |
Coffee & Network Break
Break
| — | Break |
11:50
→
11:52 |
VMC to Welcome Everyone Back |
Pearl | Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
13:36
→
13:38 |
VMC to Intro Lunch |
Pearl | Virtual |
13:39
→
14:39 |
Lunch & Networking Break
Break
| — | Break |
14:42
→
14:52 |
Insights: From Islands to Impact:
Building Resilient HR Ecosystems
in Emerging Economies
Insights
|
Lashanta Smith
HR Executive, Influential Speaker,
and Innovative Thought Leader
| Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
16:31
→
16:33 |
Introduction of Final Session |
Angela | Virtual |
| Streaming Until Next Session | |||
17:34
→
17:35 |
2026 Closing Remarks
Closing
|
Pearl Lynn Badu
Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
| Virtual |
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