A Landmark Moment for African HR Professionals
World HR Congress will make history in 2028 as it heads to Africa for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the continent’s human resources profession. The 21st edition of this prestigious global event will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, thanks to the successful bid by the Africa Human Resource Confederation (AHRC).
The announcement comes at a pivotal juncture for human resources professionals across Africa. As organizations prepare for the 2nd African Human Resource Summit, which will be held in Arusha, Tanzania, from August 19 to 22, the focus is on “Transforming Africa’s Workforce for the Future.” This summit, hosted by the Tanzania Human Resource Professionals Association (THRAPA), aims to unite HR professionals, business leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss the dynamic transformation of work across the continent.
The Importance of Human Capital in Africa
Raj Seeparsad, president of the AHRC, emphasized the vital role of human capital in Africa’s development. “Africa’s greatest resource is its people. The future competitiveness of our continent will depend largely on how effectively we develop, manage, and transform our human capital,” he noted. According to Seeparsad, the World HR Congress presents an invaluable opportunity to elevate Africa’s voice in the evolving global HR landscape.
The World HR Congress has long served as a platform for sharing best practices, innovative strategies, and the latest trends in people management. By bringing this event to Africa, the AHRC aims to showcase the continent’s unique perspectives and solutions on workforce transformation and talent development.
Adapting to a Changing World of Work
Organizations in Africa are navigating rapid changes due to technological advancements, artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and evolving employee expectations. The African HR Summit and the upcoming World HR Congress are set to address these challenges by providing a collaborative environment for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Seeparsad highlighted how the gathering of HR leaders and experts will help shape strategies for managing change and leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend. “The 2nd African HR Summit provides an important platform for African HR leaders to collectively shape that future,” he said.
A First for the Continent
Never before has the World HR Congress been hosted on African soil. The event, organized by the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA), has previously taken place in numerous countries worldwide. The upcoming 20th World HR Congress is scheduled for Mexico in September 2026, after which the symbolic baton will be passed to the AHRC for the 2028 edition in Kigali.
Securing the right to host the World HR Congress is a source of immense pride for the African HR community. “This is a particularly proud and historic moment for me as president of the Africa Human Resource Confederation,” Seeparsad said. He acknowledged the collaborative effort it took to win the bid and underscored that the achievement belongs to the entire African HR profession.
Shaping Africa’s Role in the Global HR Conversation
For Africa, hosting the World HR Congress is about more than just a conference. It signals the continent’s growing influence on the world stage and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the future of work. “We are not merely bringing the world to Africa; we are taking Africa’s ideas, experiences and solutions to the world,” Seeparsad remarked.
The event is expected to foster cross-continental partnerships, showcase innovative African HR practices, and stimulate dialogue on critical topics such as workforce digitization, leadership development, and talent management. It is poised to inspire the next generation of HR professionals and strengthen Africa’s standing in the global HR ecosystem.
Looking Ahead to 2028
As preparations begin for the World HR Congress in Kigali, anticipation is building among Africa’s HR leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders. The event promises to be a turning point, not only for African HR but also for the global community eager to learn from Africa’s unique approaches to workforce transformation and people management.
By welcoming the world to Kigali in 2028, Africa is set to share its vision, innovations, and experiences, contributing to a richer, more diverse conversation about the future of work worldwide.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
