What an incredible four days!
From August 12 – 15, 2026, the 3rd Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA) was hosted at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, Accra, bringing together HR and business leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics, and changemakers from across the continent and beyond.
Under the theme: “Leading the Transformation: HR as a Catalyst for Organizational Success and Global Impact,” the conference spent three days wrestling with a single question: what does Africa’s human capital potential look like in an age of AI-driven transformation, and who is responsible for unlocking it?
Over three days of thought-provoking conversations, practical learning, innovation, networking, and connection, GCHRA26 created a space for leaders to examine not only where the world of work is heading, but also Africa’s role in shaping it.
Setting the Tone: Africa’s Human Capital Moment
The conference opened with a welcome address from Rita Kusi, Co-Founder and Executive Director (Strategy), GCHRA, and David Wilson, Co-Founder and Executive Director (Operations), GCHRA, on behalf of the planning committee. This was followed by welcome remarks from Hon. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment of Ghana, who spoke on Shaping Africa’s Growth Through Technology, Skills, and Culture, setting the stage for the critical conversations that would follow.
We were honoured to welcome Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM APAC & MENA, who delivered partner remarks reaffirming SHRM’s commitment to Africa and its continued role in supporting the continent’s evolving HR ecosystem.
The opening keynote was delivered by Dr. Francis Eduku, Former CEO of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana, who explored Resetting Africa’s Promise. His keynote examined how Africa can unlock its economic potential by strategically aligning human capital development with the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
The conversation continued with Shiv Shivakumar, Author of The CEO Mindset, Board Advisor, and Chair of the SHRM Advisory Council, whose session explored key talent and workforce trends across China, India, and Africa (CIA). Drawing from India’s remarkable transformation into a global talent powerhouse, Shiv offered valuable lessons and perspectives on what Africa can learn as it seeks to build competitive, future-ready workforces.
The day continued with a series of engaging panel conversations, including:
- HR PowerPlay: HR Then & Now – moderated by Rita Kusi, with Tiwonge Mbale-Zyambo, Uzoaku Nwobi, and Dr. Yvonne A. Lamptey, exploring wellbeing, psychological safety, and the evolving role of HR.
- Stakeholders Dialogue: Reimagining Africa’s Talent Engine – bringing together senior voices, including Michael D’Ambrose, Shiv Shivakumar, and Esi Mmirba Wilson, moderated by Dr. Yvonne A. Lamptey.
- Women in HR Tech: Real Talk, Real Impact – moderated by Irene Kimacia, with Achal Khanna, Vera Sablah, and Kemi Olutunbi, highlighting the perspectives and experiences of women shaping the future of HR and technology.
- The Fishbowl: Unfiltered Conversations on the Future of HR in Africa – facilitated by Delfina Franco, with Claire Fielding, Oluwarotimi Dada, Shiv Shivakumar, and Dr. Yvonne A. Lamptey.
Other engaging discussions featured during the day included:
- Midday Remarks: Brief remarks by Dr. Bernice Anowa Welbeck on Building Trust in the Workplace through Advancing Fair Labour Practices in a Changing World of Work.
- The Boardroom Lens on Talent: A keynote by Rosie Ebe Arthur, on Aligning People Strategy with Global Business Priorities, highlighting the strategic role of talent and people management in driving organizational success.
- Insights Lab: Dr. Kenneth Matos and Jeff Mac Boham explored the skills framework for the AI Era by sharing actionable insights from workforce analytics, examining how workforce data can inform skills development and help organizations prepare for an AI-driven future.
- Behind AI Tech: A Soft Dive into Claude by EB Novak, offering participants a preview of Claude ahead of the Claude Masterclass and exploring the technology shaping the future of work.
From Conversation to Transformation
The second day of the conference, Thursday, August 13, opened with remarks from Jeffery Mac Boham, Director of Research and Learning, GCHRA, who spoke on Human Capital for Africa’s Future, exploring the critical link between education, leadership, and work in a changing global economy.
This was followed by a keynote from Michael D’Ambrose, Fortune 50 HR and Global Transformation Leader, who addressed Building the World’s Most Competitive Workforce, challenging leaders to think differently about talent, capability, and organizational competitiveness.
Day 2 moved the conversation further into leadership, artificial intelligence, employability, skills, and workforce transformation, with a programme designed to move beyond theory and into practical application.
Highlights included:
- Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Technology & Human Capital – Achal Khanna in conversation with Ebow Nyamekye Allen – Koufie, exploring the connection between boardroom strategy and HR execution.
- Spotlight on Africa – led by Deon de Swardt, offering Pan-African insights into the evolution of work, culture, and employee expectations, while examining whether technology is enhancing or hindering outcomes within HR functions.
- Ignite Talks: AI for HR: What Every HR Pro Needs to Know – featuring Dr. G. Ayorkor Korsah and Melody Mukhwana.
- Skills-First Employability in the Age of AI – a keynote by Seamus Clancy of LinkedIn, examining how organizations, governments, and HR leaders across Africa can transition from credential-based systems toward skills-driven talent strategies.
- Regional HR Associations – moderated by David Wilson, with Ron Wilson, Remigious Kaggwa, and Jocelyne Uwamahoro, exploring the current state and future direction of HR practices across Africa and beyond.
- Fireside Chat: C-Suite Conversations – Michael D’Ambrose in conversation with Hilda Nimo-Tieku, offering a candid exchange on leadership, business, and the realities of driving transformation from the executive level.
- AI in Action: Empowering People and Performance with Microsoft 365 Copilot – led by Daniel Vargas of Microsoft, bringing practical applications of AI to life and demonstrating how technology can support people and performance.
Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Work
Throughout the conference, innovation labs by organizations including MTN, PeopleSource Consulting, Jobberman, SIFA, Deel Local Payroll, PwC, and LinkedIn provided delegates with opportunities to engage directly with cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions designed to empower businesses, accelerate digital transformation, and unlock growth across Africa’s evolving HR and enterprise landscape.
Beyond the Main Stage
While the main stage delivered powerful ideas, some of the most meaningful conversations happened away from the spotlight.
The Exclusive Networking with SHRM Executives and Global HR leaders created an intimate space for senior leaders to engage in focused conversations around business and leadership with Executives from the Society of Human Resource Management and among themselves as leaders across various industries.
The MTN Breakfast Session brought leaders together in a more relaxed setting for meaningful conversations around people, business, and transformation.
Another memorable moment was the engagement surrounding Shiv Shivakumar’s book, The CEO Mindset. Beyond the keynote, delegates had the opportunity to connect with his leadership insights in a more personal and interactive way, extending the conversation from the conference stage to individual reflection and dialogue.
Equally memorable was the exclusive and intimate “Dine on a Mat” experience curated by the LinkedIn team and its Africa partner, Ayanda Mbanga Communications (AMC). Set within a charming hidden enclave in the heart of Accra, the gathering brought together a select group of HR leaders for an evening of meaningful connection, culture, and conversation. Renowned chef Fatmata Binta guided guests on an extraordinary culinary journey, introducing their palates to an eclectic selection of indigenous Ghanaian dishes. The experience celebrated Africa’s rich gastronomic heritage while creating a unique platform for networking, storytelling, and deeper engagement among industry leaders.
The Exhibitions and Innovation Experience
The future of work isn’t built by any one company; it takes a collective effort across technology, people, and industry. Across both days of the conference, the exhibition became a hub of connection and discovery for delegates.
More than a dozen organizations, including SHRM, MTN, LinkedIn, PwC, Deel Local Payroll, SIFA, KUSI Consulting, Management Drive, Jobberman Ghana, and others, showcased innovative solutions across HR technology, artificial intelligence, payroll, workforce transformation, and business innovation.
For delegates, it was a chance to explore real tools, ask questions, and engage directly with the organizations shaping the future of work. For participating companies, it was an opportunity to connect with a room full of decision-makers and changemakers driving that future forward.
Together, they showed what’s possible when technology, people, and purpose come together.
From Insight to Application (Masterclasses)
Friday, August 14, brought a different kind of energy to GCHRA26. Delegates stepped into masterclasses led by an incredible lineup of industry leaders: EB Novak, Ayman Rizk, David Tsey, Melody Mukhwana, Claire Fielding, and Jeffery Mac Boham, who brought fresh perspectives, practical insights, and real-world expertise into the room.
The sessions explored critical areas including AI, leadership, workforce transformation, talent mobility, and practical approaches to becoming future-ready.
The objective was simple: move from insight to application. Rather than simply discussing what the future of work might look like, the masterclasses equipped participants with practical perspectives, tools, and approaches they could take back into their organizations and apply.
Three Days: One Shared Commitment
Different industries, different countries, different experiences, different perspectives. Yet, across every conversation, one shared commitment continued to emerge: the future of work in Africa must be shaped intentionally.
GCHRA26 was not simply about discussing the changes taking place in the world of work. It was about asking what those changes mean for Africa, for its organizations, for its leaders, and most importantly, for its people, and recognizing that technology alone cannot transform organizations. Instead, people, leadership, culture, skills, and purposeful innovation must move together for organizational transformation
From Conference to Leisure – The GCHRA Tour 🇬🇭
After three days of inspiring conversations and learning, delegates took a well-deserved break on Saturday, August 15, to relax, explore and experience Ghana.
The GCHRA Tour took delegates beyond the conference room, exploring Accra City, Safari Valley, and the heritage sites of Cape Coast. It offered a refreshing blend of culture, history, leisure, and connection, giving delegates the opportunity to unwind, release some stress, experience Ghana beyond the conference, and create lasting memories together.
From meaningful conversations to laughter, photographs and new experiences, the day was the perfect way to close an incredible GCHRA26 journey.
Because the GCHRA experience is not just about what we learn, but also the people we meet and the memories we create along the way. ❤️🇬🇭
Thank you, GCHRA Community ❤️
To our speakers, facilitators, moderators, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, delegates, volunteers, planning committee, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you.
Thank you for bringing your ideas, experiences, questions, energy, and openness to GCHRA26.
You made it more than a conference. You made it a community, a conversation, a shared experience, and, most importantly, a collective commitment to shaping what comes next.
As we look back on everything Accra gave us, one thing is clear: the future of work isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we build together.
Accra brought unforgettable conversations, new connections, bold ideas, and memories that will stay with us long after the sessions ended. It was more than an event; it was a reminder of what’s possible when this community comes together with purpose.
Now, the journey continues. Our eyes turn to Kigali and the next chapter of the GCHRA story.
Accra, thank you for an unforgettable experience. Kigali, we cannot wait to see what you bring.
See you in Kigali! ❤️
