SHRM Partners with GCHRA to Elevate and Inspire HR in Africa
The 2nd annual conference will focus on the intersection of technology and HR.
ALEXANDRIA, Va.— SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace is excited to announce that President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., will deliver the keynote address at the Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA) August 13-16, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana. The conference is powered by SHRM.
This year's theme, “Leveraging Technologies to Enhance Workforce Productivity and Optimize Efficiency,” emphasizes the integration of human resources and artificial intelligence to boost productivity and achieve peak efficiency across Africa.
The conference will bring together forward-thinking HR professionals, business leaders, and technology innovators. Its aim is to empower and elevate Africa’s workforce by showcasing how these technologies can transform HR practices both within Africa and beyond. Additionally, it seeks to better connect Africa with global trends shaping the future of work.
The 2024 hybrid event drew nearly 400 global attendees representing over 10 industries, spanning oil and gas, mining, technology, telecom, finance, education, real estate, and public sectors. Delegates hailed from over 15 countries, including Tanzania, Qatar, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Japan, and the U.S. Last year, Taylor gave the opening remarks at the inaugural conference.
"I am excited SHRM is the official sponsor of the 2nd annual Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA),” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President and CEO of SHRM. "Africa is rapidly emerging as the next global economic frontier, driven by its dynamic workforce. By 2050, the continent's population is projected to double to 2.5 billion, with 60% under the age of 25. This remarkable demographic shift positions Africa as a pivotal player in the global labor market, particularly in high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, digital technology, and green energy.
As HR professionals, we hold a pivotal responsibility to lead the charge in preparing workforces for transformative technologies. By reimagining recruitment strategies, redefining talent management practices, and employee engagement, we can play a central role in shaping the future of HR—both across Africa and beyond.”
Confirmed speakers include:
- Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. – President & CEO, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Emily M. Dickens – Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs, SHRM
- Andy Biladeau – Chief Transformation Officer, SHRM
- David Green – Global People Analytics Expert and Host, Digital HR Leaders Podcast, UK
- Nicole Herskowitz – Corporate Vice President, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, U.S.
- Dr. Najat El Mahdy – Chair, Qatar HR Forum and Director of Strategy, HR & OD, QFCRA
- Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo – Member of Parliament and Minister of Labor, Jobs and Employment, Ghana
- Dr. Francis Eduku – CEO, CIHRM Ghana
- Dr. Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng – Vice Chair, Public Services Commission, Ghana
- Olusegun Mojeed – President, CIPM Nigeria
- Hilda Nimo-Tieku – CEO, Jobberman, Ghana
- Adetoun Akinsunmi – Chief of Staff, SeamlessHR, Ghana
- Ahmed Quresha Abdullahi – Executive Director, IHRM Kenya
- Jocelyne Uwamahoro – President, Rwanda Human Resource Management Organisation and HR Director, Rwanda Energy Group
- Kwabena A. Bamfo – Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Ashesi University, Ghana
- EB Novak – Solutions Consultant, HiBob, UK
- Blessing Olayiwola – Data Analytics and AI Manager, Deloitte, Nigeria
Journalists and members of media are invited to attend GCHRAfrica. Press registration is mandatory for access. For interview requests and to obtain press credentials, please contact us at: press@shrm.org.
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.
About Kusi Consulting
Kusi Consulting is a boutique HR and Marketing consulting firm that delivers HR and marketing services across Africa and the United States. The firm is also the organizer of the Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA). More information is available at GCHRAfrica.com.
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