Organised by NEPAD, the Commonwealth Secretariat and AfricaRecruit, the conference examined the business case for e-HR as well as a review of best practices, challenges, policies and case studies aimed at strengthening and developing productivity and employment in Africa.

The conference also explored current thinking on the African labour market, techniques for promoting skills development, diversity in the workforce, and providing practical solutions.

A pre-conference survey carried out by AfricaRecruit pointed to the fact that while general awareness of ICT and its uses is high, the application of ICT as a tool for day-to-day activities is relatively low.

Belkacem Smaili, NEPAD human resources coordinator, in his opening remarks praised the timing of the conference, saying it came when Africa is investing all its efforts to extract itself from underdevelopment and to meet the challenges of a globalisation.

Prof Firmino Mucavele, NEPAD Chief Executive, and Dr Henry Chasia, Executive Deputy Chairperson of NEPAD’s e-Africa Commission, expanded on Mr Smaili’s views, highlighting the e-Africa Commission programme which focuses areas such as e-policies, e-strategies and ICT infrastructure.

In an overview of the human resource development challenge in Africa, Sizo Mhlanga, Regional Adviser, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, gave an account of ECA’s response to these challenges based on the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) and the National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) framework.

“In a knowledge economy, competitive advantage relies on the capability to adapt to the changing environment by the continuous generation and application of new knowledge,” he said.

Adam Sentonaris, Solutions Manager, SAP Africa, gave a practical demonstration on steps needed to improve capital management.

The use of ICT in human resource development should not be only about technology, he said, but should be a tool that would ensure added value, offering delivery at a faster rate and lower cost. Source : NEPAD News, 16 March 2007