Program outline and Virtual Experience for GCHRA 2026
| Time | Session | Speaker | Title / Organization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM GMT - 09:00 AM GMT | Registration, Coffee & NetworkingNetworking | In-Person | ||
| 09:00 AM GMT - 09:05 AM GMT | Welcome note from MCsWelcome | Delfina FrancoBenjamin Owusu Ansah | Managing Partner, Antal InternationalCo-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 09:05 AM GMT - 09:15 AM GMT | Planning Committee AddressRemarks | Rita KusiDavid Wilson | Co-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Strategy), GCHRACo-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Ops), GCHRA | Hybrid |
| 09:15 AM GMT - 09:25 AM GMT | Leading with Openness: Shaping Africa’s Growth Through Technology, Skills, and CultureAddress | Hon. Abdul Pelpuo (MP) | Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment | Hybrid |
| 09:25 AM GMT - 09:35 AM GMT | Partner remarks: Reaffirming SHRM’s Commitment to AfricaRemarks | Achal Khanna | CEO – SHRM APAC & MENA | Hybrid |
| 09:35 AM GMT - 10:00 AM GMT | 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 |
| 10:00 AM GMT - 10:30 AM GMT | Emerging Market Insights: India's Playbook for AfricaKeynote | Shiv Shivakumar | Author of The CEO Mindset, Chair of SHRM Advisory Council | Hybrid |
| 10:30 AM GMT - 11:15 AM GMT | 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 |
| 11:15 AM GMT - 11:30 AM GMT | Behind AI Tech - ClaudeInnovation Lab | EB Novak | Solutions Engineer at HiBob | Hybrid |
| 11:30 AM GMT - 11:40 AM GMT | Coffee & Network BreakBreak | In-Person | ||
| 11:40 AM GMT - 11:50 AM GMT | Mid-Day Remarks: Advancing Fair Labour Practices in a Changing World of WorkRemarks | Dr. Bernice Anowa Welbeck | Executive Secretary, National Labour Commission | Hybrid |
| 11:50 AM GMT - 12:00 PM GMT | The Boardroom Lens on Talent: Aligning people strategy with global business prioritiesAddress | Rosie Ebe Arthur | Board member, MTN | Hybrid |
| 12:00 PM GMT - 12:15 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: MTNInnovation Lab | Seyram Ampofo | Product Manager, MTN Ghana | Hybrid |
| 12:15 PM GMT - 12:30 PM GMT | 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 |
| 12:30 PM GMT - 01:30 PM GMT | Insights Lab: AI, Workforce Transformation, and SkillsInsights Lab | Dr. Kenneth MatosJeff Mac Boham | Insights Lab at HiBobHead of Research & Learning, GCHRA | In-Person |
| 01:30 PM GMT - 02:35 PM GMT | Lunch & NetworkingLunch | In-Person | ||
| 02:35 PM GMT - 02:50 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: PeoplesourceInnovation Lab | Bode Olutunbi | Managing Partner / CEO, Peoplesource Consulting, Master Partner, Management Drives Africa | Hybrid |
| 02:50 PM GMT - 03:20 PM GMT | Panel: Women in HR Tech: Real Talk, Real ImpactPanel | Dr. Sherron Carrion (Fac)Achal Khanna | Partner Relations, GCHRACEO – SHRM APAC & MENA | Hybrid |
| 03:20 PM GMT - 03:35 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: LinkedInInnovation Lab | Nuno Pereira | Regional Manager for Africa, LinkedIn | Hybrid |
| 03:35 PM GMT- 03:45 PM GMT | Innovation Lab: Atlas CopilotInnovation Lab | Guillermo Miranda | AI Readiness Leader, Co-Founder, Atlas Copilot | Hybrid |
| 03:45 PM GMT- 04:50 PM GMT | 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 |
| 05:00 PM GMT- 05:10 PM GMT | Day 1 closing remarksClosing | Benjamin Owusu Ansah | Co-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 05:10 PM GMT - 06:10 PM GMT | Networking ReceptionNetworking | In-Person |
| Time | Session | Speaker | Title / Organization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM GMT - 08:50 AM GMT | Registration, Coffee & Network BreakNetworking | In-Person | ||
| 08:50 AM GMT - 09:05 AM GMT | Welcome note from MCsWelcome | Delfina FrancoBenjamin Owusu Ansah | Managing Partner, Antal InternationalCo-Founder, SpeakWell International | In-Person |
| 09:05 AM GMT - 09:20 AM GMT | 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 |
| 09:20 AM GMT - 10:00 AM GMT | Keynote Presentation: Africa's MomentKeynote | Michael D'Ambrose | Fortune 50 HR and Global Transformation Leader | Hybrid |
| 10:00 AM GMT - 10:40 AM GMT | 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 |
| 10:40 AM GMT - 11:20 AM GMT | Spotlight on Africa and HR Huddle ConversationSpotlight | Deon de Swardt | Managing Partner, Africa People Advisory Group | In-Person |
| 11:20 AM GMT - 11:50 AM GMT | Coffee & Network BreakBreak | In-Person | ||
| 11:50 PM GMT - 12:00 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: JobbermanTech Demo | Kester Djanie | Head of Commercial, Ghana, Jobberman | In-Person |
| 12:00 PM GMT - 12:50 PM GMT | 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 |
| 12:50 PM GMT - 01:40 PM GMT | Keynote: Skills First Employability in the Age of AIKeynote | Seamus Clancy | Head of Public Sector & NFP Sales, LinkedIn | Hybrid |
| 01:40 PM GMT - 02:45 PM GMT | Lunch & Networking BreakLunch | In-Person | ||
| 02:45 PM GMT - 03:00 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: SIFAInnovation Lab | Oluwarotimi Dada | Culture Architect, Sifa | Hybrid |
| 03:00 PM GMT - 03:40 PM GMT | 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 |
| 03:40 PM GMT - 04:25 PM GMT | Insights: AI in Action with Microsoft 365 CopilotInsights | Daniel Vargas | Partner General Manager, M365 Copilot, Microsoft | Hybrid |
| 04:25 PM GMT - 04:35 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: Deel, powered by PaySpace Innovation Lab | Martin Kiragu | Account Executive, Deel Local Payroll | Hybrid |
| 04:35 PM GMT - 04:55 PM GMT | Innovation Labs: PWCInnovation Lab | PWC Representative | PWC | Hybrid |
| 04:50 PM GMT - 05:40 PM GMT | Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Technology and Human CapitalFireside | Achal KhannaDr. Jeff Bassay | CEO – SHRM APAC & MENAFounder & Rector, ILS | Hybrid |
| 05:40 PM GMT - 05:50 PM GMT | Launch GCHRA27Launch | GCHRA Committee & RHRMO | GCHRA | Hybrid |
| 05:50 PM GMT - 06:10 PM GMT | 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 GMT - 10:30 AM GMT | From Prompts to Performance: Using Claude to Think, Write, and Decide at Executive LevelMasterclass | EB Novak | Solution Engineer, HiBob | In-Person |
| 09:00 AM GMT - 10:30 AM GMT | Leading with Purpose: The Foundational Steps to Effective LeadershipMasterclass | Ayman Rizk | Founder of HR Capsules, Global HR Consultant | In-Person |
| 11:00 AM GMT - 12:30 PM GMT | Practical steps for driving workforce transformation in the age of AIMasterclass | David Tsey | Associate Director, Workforce Transformation, PwC Ghana | In-Person |
| 11:00 AM GMT - 12:30 PM GMT | Technology Is Ready. Are Your People? Why AI Adoption Is an HR ProblemMasterclass | Melody Mukhwana | Founder, Humainly AI | In-Person |
| 01:30 PM GMT - 03:00 PM GMT | What Really Makes Talent Move? Designing Smarter Global Mobility StrategiesMasterclass | Claire Fielding | Director, EMEA Advisory, AIRINC | In-Person |
| 01:30 PM GMT - 03:00 PM GMT | 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 AM GMT
→
09:05 AM GMT |
Welcome Note from VMCs
Opening
|
Pearl Lynn Badu
Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
| Virtual |
09:10 AM GMT
→
09:15 AM GMT |
Planning Committee Address
Remarks
|
Rita Kusi
Co-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Strategy), GCHRA,
David Wilson
Co-Founder & Exec. Dir. (Ops), GCHRA
| Virtual |
09:20 AM GMT
→
09:25 AM GMT |
Leading with Openness: Shaping Africa’s Growth Through Technology, Skills, and Culture
Address |
Hon. Abdul Pelpuo (MP)
Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment | Virtual |
09:25 AM GMT
→
09:35 AM GMT |
Partner remarks: Reaffirming SHRM’s Commitment to Africa
Remarks |
Achal Khanna
CEO – SHRM APAC & MENA | Virtual |
09:35 AM GMT
→
10:00 AM GMT |
Resetting Africa’s Promise: Harnessing Human Capital and AI for Economic Transformation: HR as the Engine of Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness
Keynote |
Dr. Francis Eduku
Former CEO, CIHRM Ghana | Virtual |
10:00 AM GMT
→
10:30 AM GMT |
Emerging Market Insights: India's Playbook for Africa
Keynote |
Shiv Shivakumar
Author of The CEO Mindset, Chair of SHRM Advisory Council | Virtual |
10:30 AM GMT
→
11:15 AM GMT |
HR PowerPlay Panel:
Theme: HR Then and Now: Why You Should Be Nervous- Psychological Safety and Wellbeing in the Era of AI
Panel Discussion
|
FACILITATOR - Rita Kusi
Co-Founder, GCHRA
Tiwonge Mbale-Zyambo
Co-Founder& Lead Consultant - Research, Training and Development, Wisteria Learning
Uzoaku Nwobi
Assoc. Director, PwC Nigeria
Dr. Yvonne A. Lamptey
Director, HRODD, University of Ghana
| Virtual |
11:15 AM GMT
→
11:30 AM GMT |
Behind AI Tech - Claude
Innovation Lab |
EB Novak
Solutions Engineer at HiBob | Virtual |
11:30 AM GMT
→
11:40 AM GMT |
Coffee & Network Break
Break
| — | Break |
11:30 AM GMT
→
11:40 AM GMT |
Mindfulness Activity |
Coach Cass | Virtual |
12:13 AM GMT
→
12:23 AM GMT |
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 |
11:40 AM GMT
→
11:50 AM GMT |
Mid-Day Remarks: Advancing Fair Labour Practices in a Changing World of Work
Remarks |
Dr. Bernice Anowa Welbeck
Executive Secretary, National Labour Commission | Virtual |
11:40 AM GMT
→
11:50 AM GMT |
The Boardroom Lens on Talent: Aligning people strategy with global business priorities
Remarks |
Rosie Ebe Arthur
Executive Secretary, National Labour Commission | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
16:31
→
16:33 |
Introduction of Final Session |
Angela | Virtual |
17:34
→
17:35 |
2026 Closing Remarks
Closing
|
Pearl Lynn Badu
Angela Lee
Business Development Specialist,
Knowledge Works Consulting
| Virtual |
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