2025
Gathering HR professionals and business leaders across the globe.
Gathering HR professionals and business leaders across the globe.
Theme: HR at the Crossroads: Shaping the Future of Workforce Transformation in Africa
The annual East Africa HR Symposium is a premier gathering of HR professionals and business leaders from across the region. Organized by Rise & Learn Global the event provides a platform to discuss critical HR issues, share best practices, and foster valuable networking opportunities.
Following the successful 6th East Africa HR Symposium held in Mombasa, Kenya in 2024, all roads lead to Kigali, Rwanda. The 7th East Africa HR Symposium will bring together HR thought leaders, policymakers, business executives, and practitioners to explore these emerging trends and shape the future of work in Africa.
This event is a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of labor policies, talent mobility, and economic development, and to collaborate on strategies that will drive the continent’s workforce transformation forward.
This year, we are honored to partner with KaizenMind as one of the key organizers of the 7th East Africa HR Symposium, to be held in Kigali, Rwanda.
KaizenMind is a dynamic force in people development and HR transformation in Rwanda. KaizenMind exists to empower individuals and organizations to break through broken system, self-doubt, embrace growth, and build thriving workplaces—one bold step at a time.
Their mission is clear: to bridge the HR and people development gap across Africa — especially for SMEs who often face resource and skills limitations. KaizenMind offers smart, scalable, and practical HR services, customized coaching programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that respond to real needs on the ground. They are also among HR Firms pioneers in inclusive employment practices, including services for the placement of persons with disabilities and digital innovation through tools like the L.A.W App, the first AI-powered labor law reference platform in Rwanda.
From strategy development and HR policy creation to people development services that spark bold thinking and action, KaizenMind is committed to empowering HR professionals and organizations alike.
Together, we look forward to co-creating a powerful symposium that challenges mindsets, celebrates growth, and shapes the future of workforce transformation in Africa.
Delegates should look forward to high value knowledge acquisition, personal engagement, networking opportunities, high-quality speakers, interactive sessions, and a touch of excitement.

We're thrilled to announce our sponsor, MCE - Management Centre Europe. By attending the 5th East Africa HR symposium, every participant will be granted 📚 One Year FREE Access 📚 to the MCE On-Demand Library, a treasure trove of knowledge worth 500 EUR!

Kenya Airways, one of our esteemed partners, is delighted to extend a special discount of up to 15% on both Business and Economy class tickets to attendees of the 5th East Africa HR Symposium. Use promo code EAHR23 to book your ticket to Entebbe (EBB), Uganda on www.kenya-airways.com.
We had a chat with some of the professionals who have attended the symposiums and this is what they had to say.
Attending the EAHR Symposium has been a transformative experience for me, particularly in my role as Manager, Talent Acquisition. The diverse range of topics discussed has broadened my perspective and significantly enhanced my strategic approach to HR management and leadership. I have become more intentional about hiring individuals with a growth mindset, who are willing to challenge the status quo and bring fresh, creative ideas a new mindset I acquired from the EAHR Symposium held in Kampala Uganda in November 2023
Sonia Ashaba Ahebwa Manager - Talent AcquisitionThe 5th EAHR Symposium held in Kampala Uganda IN 2023 was facilitated by Industry experts who provided invaluable insights into how organizations can thrive amidst uncertainty and change. I particularly appreciated the practical strategies that foster resilience and adaptability within teams and the importance of rethinking traditional HR approaches and embracing new frameworks to better support employees in this rapidly shifting landscape. I am immensely grateful to my employer at the time Airtel Uganda Limited for the opportunity to participate in such a forward-thinking event.
Andinda Doreen SPHR/PHRI have had the pleasure of attending the East Africa HR Symposium by Rise and Learn in both Mombasa (2021) and Arusha(2022), honestly this has been an absolute game-changer. The networking here isn’t your usual business card shuffle—it’s about forging meaningful connections for me these connections have genuinely accelerated my career and broadened my horizons. What really makes this symposium stand out is the laser focus of the organizers. The event organisers are incredibly intentional about curating panellists and topics that hit the nail on the head for what’s relevant today. These sessions are packed with insights that are not just relevant but highly actionable, addressing the real challenges we face in our organizations. For HR professionals and business leaders alike, the East African HR Symposium isn’t just an event; it’s an essential experience! Whether you’re looking to refine your strategies, inspire your team, or just keep your finger on the pulse of current trends, this symposium delivers in spades. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their professional game don’t miss out!
Mercy Njoroge| 7TH EAST AFRICA HR SYMPOSIUM | ||
| MARRIOTT HOTEL, KIGALI, RWANDA 27 TH TO 29TH AUGUST 2025 | ||
| SYMPOSIUM THEME: HR at the Crossroads: Shaping the Future of Workforce Transformation in Africa |
| Time | Topic | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30am – 09:00am | Arrival and Registration of Delegates | Symposium Secretariat Event Administration |
| 09:00am – 09:05am | Administrative Announcements | |
| 09:05am – 09:15am | Welcome Remarks, Introduction: Setting the Scene | Claire Museke Emily Kamunde-Osoro |
| 09:15am – 09:30am | Opening Speech (Entertainment) | Guest of Honour To be announced |
| 09:30am – 10:30am | Keynote: From Buzzwords to Bottom Line – The Real Role of EVP in Africa’s Workforce Transformation | Samantha Coom Founder & CEO, The Social Craft |
| 10:30am – 11:15am | TEA/COFFEE BREAK & Networking | |
| 11:15am – 12:00pm | Constructive Cultures and Positive Leadership | Christian Sellars CEO, Transforming Engagements (TES) Ltd |
| 12:00pm – 01:00pm | Panel: AI in HR – Leveraging Technology for People-Centric Strategies | Moderator Panelists Mike B. Ndimurukundo Fadzai Hundu |
| 01:00pm – 02:00pm | LUNCH BREAK & Networking | |
| 02:00pm – 03:00pm | Leadership in a Hybrid and Distributed Workforce | Samkelo Blom CEO, Nomatu Consulting |
| 03:00pm – 03:45pm | How to Develop an Abundance Mindset (Rebroadcast) | John C. Maxwell #1 Leadership Expert & Best-Selling Author |
| 03:45pm – 04:00pm | Sponsors Brief | |
| 04:00pm – 04:30pm | TEA/COFFEE BREAK & Networking |
| Time | Topic | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30am | Day 1 Recap & Trivia | Sheilla Umutoni Corporate Trainer & People Skills Coach, Elevate Training Solutions Joshua Tahinduka |
| 08:45am – 09:15am | The Importance of Replenishing Energy Reserves (Rebroadcast) | Valorie Burton Life Strategist, Best-Selling Author & Positive Psychology Expert |
| 09:15am – 10:10am | Panel: Work – Navigating Global Shifts & Local Realities | Moderator Joshua Tahinduka Managing Director, Elevate Training Solutions Panelists Judith Charles Laetitia Uwera |
| 10:10am – 10:45am | TEA BREAK & Networking | |
| 10:45am – 11:30am | Attracting Talent in the Age of Visibility: LinkedIn Branding for African HR Leaders | Samantha Coom Founder & CEO, The Social Craft |
| 11:30am – 12:15pm | Truth vs. Hype: What AI Is Really Doing to Recruitment | Stewart Samkange Founder & CEO, cvsandresumes.com |
| 12:15pm – 01:00pm | Emotional Capacity & Power Literacy in the New Era of Leadership | Rebecca Hansen Transformational Leadership Coach & 2x TEDx Speaker |
| 01:00pm – 02:00pm | LUNCH BREAK & Networking | |
| 02:00pm – 02:30pm | Mentoring Africa’s Future: Practical Pathways to Youth Employability | Emily Kamunde-Osoro HR Leader & Founder, Rise & Learn Global |
| 02:30pm – 03:20pm | Panel: Skills Over Degrees – The Shift to Skills-Based Hiring | Moderator Stewart Samkange Founder & CEO, cvsandresumes.com Panelists Dr. Jane Chiroma Emily Kamunde-Osoro |
| 03:20pm – 04:00pm | Happy Teams, Thriving Business: Let’s Talk Employee Experience | Deon De Swardt Managing Partner, Africa People Advisory Group |
| 04:00pm – 04:20pm | Sponsor Briefs | |
| 04:20pm – 05:00pm | TEA/COFFEE BREAK | |
| 05:00pm – 06:30pm | TEAM BUILDING – Kigali Golf Course Trail (Green Carpet Walk, Nyarutarama) |
| Time | Topic | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30am – 09:00am | Day 2 Recap and Trivia | Symposium Team Event Hosts |
| 09:00am – 09:45am | The Joy Is in the Journey (Rebroadcast) | John C. Maxwell #1 Leadership Expert & Best-Selling Author |
| 09:45am – 10:30am | Panel: HR’s Role in Driving Business & Economic Transformation | Moderator Sheilla Umutoni Corporate Trainer & People Skills Coach, Elevate Training Solutions Panelists Steven Murenzi Paul Rumanda Rugambwa |
| 10:30am – 11:10am | TEA/COFFEE BREAK | |
| 11:10am – 12:00pm | Thinking Differently in and About the Workplace: A New Path Toward True Inclusion | Tebatso Hule Senior Employee Relations Manager, Debswana Diamond Company |
| 12:00pm – 01:00pm | CEO Panel Discussion – Leading Workforce Transformation in Africa | Moderator Gisèle Uwase Associate Director HR, BioNTech Rwanda Ltd CEOs |
| 01:00pm – 01:30pm | CLOSING REMARKS | |
| 01:30pm – 02:00pm | VOTE OF THANKS & Certificates | |
| 02:00pm – 03:00pm | LUNCH BREAK & Networking | |
| 03:00pm – 04:00pm | EXHIBITION & SPONSORS / OPTIONAL CITY TOUR | |
| 04:00pm | TEA/COFFEE BREAK & Networking |
If you are looking for a high impact and focused HR and leadership solutions provider, look no further than to Rise and Learn Global Ltd. Their unique programs including the East Africa HR Symposium are engaging, very informative, insightful, futuristic, and practical. The diverse thought Leaders that they engage never disappoint and provide the much-needed global perspective on HR matters. They are up to date with current trends and most importantly strive to provide their clients with important predictions on the future, as it may impact on people management. I have always left the sessions refreshed and empowered”
Jacinta Lwanga Head of Human Resources – Consolidated bank