Africa HR Forum explores technology and AI in the workplace

The Africa HR Forum 2023 recently launched in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea shone a light on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the African context. The HR networking event brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and professionals that delved into integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the African workplace. It shone a light on the challenges and opportunities that come with adopting these technologies while also exploring their impact on digital rights, society, and how they can revolutionise human capital management in Africa.

The event featured keynote speeches from notable figures, including Minister of Labour Employment and Social Security, Alfredo Mitogo Mitogo Ada; Minister of Public Function and Administrative Reform; Eucario Bacale Angue; Vice Minister of Transport, Post Office, and New Information and Communication Technologies, Don Candido Muatetema Baita; President of the Society for Human Resource Management, in the United States of America (USA) Johnny C. Taylor, Jr; as well as Yolanda Asumu, the Founder and Promoter of Africa HR Forum.

Adding further depth to the event were insights from industry experts Filiberto Mba Obama, Founder of DATA EG, and Oscar A. Nchaso Bekari, Executive Director of Dreams Hub.

The event’s highlights included impactful panel discussions featuring industry experts representing sectors such as Human Resources, Telecommunications, Government Data Systems, Technology, Banking, Legal & Compliance. The panelists included Angela Eseng Mba Mangue, Director of WOOMAX; Angela Eyi, Human Resource Director at MUNI; Don Melanio Ebendeng Oyana, Director General of the National Center for the Computerization of the Public Administration of Equatorial Guinea (CNIAPGE); Gemma Jones Ndjoli, CEO of Jones & Sacristan Abogados; Olga Beng Nee Bilogo, Human Capital Director at BGFI Bank; Ines Felipe A. Eni Ayeto, Human Resources Generalist at MEGPL (Marathon Oil); and Teodoro Bonsundi, CEO of CGSL ICT Consulting.

The enriching discussions were expertly moderated by Jeromino Mba Oyono Nguema, President of the Association of EG HR Professionals, and Maria Concepción Esuba Renedo, Founder of EVICON.

Key takeaways from the panel discussions

1. It’s crucial to address the existing skills gap and invest in comprehensive training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for embracing digital transformation.

2. Ensuring digital rights and ethical implementation is paramount, calling for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure fairness, privacy protection, and transparency in technology and AI usage.

3. Technology and AI can significantly boost productivity, streamline processes, and foster innovation. Leveraging technology to enhance human capabilities allows employees to focus on tasks that require creativity and critical thinking.

4. Regarding the specific application of Technology and AI in the African context, there’s a pressing need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, academia, and technology providers to drive adoption and innovation. This includes knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and forging partnerships to overcome challenges and expedite implementation.

The well-attended launch wrapped up with a networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with other HR professionals and stay updated on the latest industry trends. The launch, a platform for empowering Africa’s workforce, was organised by iCUBEFARM, the proprietor of Africa HR Forum. The event aligns with Equatorial Guinea’s Agenda 2035 for economic diversification and workforce empowerment.

This was made possible through partnerships with the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the Society for Human Resource Management - USA, and technical support from the Association of EG HR Professionals.

This monumental event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of esteemed sponsors, including EVICON, DATA EG, WOOMAX, Jones & Sacristan Abogados, CNIAPGE, Muni, Marathon, GITGE, Okume VZ Production, Bilateral Chamber, BGFI Bank, and Colinas Boutique Hotel. The event also received significant backing from official media partners such as the AFRICANIAN digital magazine, AHORA EG, Pulse HR magazine, and Real Equatorial Guinea.

For more information about the upcoming Africa HR Forum and the HR Insights Series, which will continue to drive conversations about Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the African workplace, visit https://www. africahrforum.com/hr-insights-series-2023/.