The highly anticipated conference at Crown Hotel, Nyarutarama, held on June 20, 2025, centered around the theme “Modern HR, Modern Employees: Building Organizations Ready for AI.” HR leaders, technology advocates, and attendees explored how AI can reshape workplace dynamics.
Participants gained insights into leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools for daily operations, including advanced employee management, enhancing communication channels, streamlining recruitment and onboarding, and fostering seamless collaboration between teams.
Steven Murenzi: AI Enhances Work Efficiency
Steven Murenzi, the visionary founder and director of People Matters Kigali-Rwanda, addressed common concerns about AI displacing jobs. He assured, “Everyone wonders about this, but the truth is, AI is not here to take away jobs; it’s here to optimize and improve work processes.”
He stressed the importance of HR professionals preparing employees for technological advancements: “Our role as HR managers is to help employees adapt, utilize AI to its fullest, and understand its benefits and risks for professional growth.”
Murenzi further elaborated on the advantageous integration of AI in workplaces, noting, “By putting effort into AI adoption, HR teams can boost employee productivity, maximize efficiency, and optimize the use of time and resources while driving organizational success.
Monique Kayesu: Human Creativity vs AI
Monique Kayesu, representing Akagera Aviation, firmly believes AI complements rather than replaces human work. She stated, “Humans possess irreplaceable traits, and AI remains a creation of human intelligence designed to assist, not replace.”
Highlighting AI's potential for collaboration, Kayesu remarked, “This is an opportunity to see how digital tools, including AI, help improve lives. You won’t lose your job; disparities within workplaces may reduce as AI prioritizes skills and abilities over emotions.”
With HR’s evolving role, Kayesu advocated for teams to deepen their understanding of AI applications. “Machines don’t possess empathy, so it’s vital to distinguish their tasks from human-centric responsibilities,” she added.
Jeff Munyengango: AI is the New Reality
Jeff Munyengango, a seasoned AI integration consultant, dispelled myths around AI being a distant innovation. He affirmed, “AI is not just part of history; it's actively shaping today’s workplace.”
Addressing potential unemployment concerns, he explained, “AI complements more than it replaces jobs, particularly in fields requiring physical effort. Advanced AI-powered robots now think independently, making data-driven decisions to assist where possible.”
Looking forward, Munyengango believes critical-thinking roles will thrive alongside AI, as it augments human capabilities. He stated, “In positions demanding strategic decisions, AI will act as a supportive tool, accelerating achievement of organizational goals.”
Championing AI for a Better Workplace
People Matters Kigali-Rwanda is reinforcing its position as a hub for driving employee empowerment, professional development, and technology-driven growth. This conference provided an invaluable platform for dialogue on transforming workplaces through cutting-edge innovations like AI.
HR professionals received hands-on training in utilizing AI for simplifying tasks and boosting productivity.
In-depth discussions highlighted how AI could align employee management with technological advances.
Steven Murenzi underscored the positive impact of embracing AI in professional environments.
Industry professionals, including Jeff Munyengango, delved into ways AI can revolutionize HR functions and strategy.
Attendees left empowered with practical AI knowledge and confident in shaping the future of work.