The East Africa HR Symposium is organized by Rise & Learn Limited, a Human Resource & Leadership consulting firm committed to Leadership Development, Training in organizations and Outsourcing of Human Resource services to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
The 7th East Africa HR Symposium, held from August 27 to 29, 2025 at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, Rwanda, brought together HR professionals, thought leaders, policymakers, and business executives from across East Africa to examine the evolving dynamics at the intersection of people, policy, and technology.
Under the banner “HR at the Crossroads: Shaping the Future of Workforce Transformation in Africa,” the Symposium reaffirmed HR’s pivotal role amid accelerating trends such as AI, automation, hybrid work models, and shifting workforce expectations.
Over three days, delegates:
Engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses, and immersive sessions on critical topics including skills-based hiring, ethical AI in HR, inclusive leadership, employee well-being, and the influence of visibility in talent attraction.
Connected and networked deeply, exchanging insights in relaxed sessions and dynamic meet-ups
Enjoyed exclusive access to a Live2Lead rebroadcast, featuring world-class leadership insights from John C. Maxwell and other global figures, enriching the Symposium’s value with proven leadership strategies.
We were especially honored to partner with KaizenMind, whose local insight and networks were invaluable in orchestrating a vibrant and culturally resonant experience in Kigali.
This edition continued the Symposium’s journey since its inception in 2018 in Naivasha, Kenya, and its rotation through cities in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and now Rwanda. Each host city uniquely enriched the Symposium’s spirit and scope.
To all delegates, speakers, partners, sponsors, and contributors—thank you for being part of this transformative chapter. Together, you reaffirmed HR’s strategic role in shaping resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces across Africa.
Murakaza neza i Kigali!
Founder, Rise & Learn Global
Emily Kamunde-Osoro is a seasoned HR leader, professional coach, entrepreneur, and leadership development specialist with over 20 years of experience across consulting, nonprofit, aviation, agriculture, and financial services. She currently serves as HR Director at TradeMark Africa and is the Founder of Rise & Learn Global and the InMySteps Foundation, a youth mentorship and employability initiative focused on preparing young people for the world of work. Emily is also the Founder of the East Africa HR Symposium, a regional platform that brings together HR and business leaders from across East Africa to exchange insights, explore emerging workplace trends, and advance the people and leadership agenda in the region. Throughout her career, Emily has championed organisational transformation, leadership development, culture, talent management, and coaching across diverse organisations and markets. She has served in Board and Council roles with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Pan Africa Christian University, and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM). Emily is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organisations, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and taking long walks to recharge
Joint Founding Member, Human Resources Consulting Firm
Human Resource Transformation, Learning & Development, Leadership & Change Management advisor
Human Resources Director | BRALIRWA Plc
A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
To take part in the symposium, all you need to do is register, free your schedule, and interact with professionals across the world.
