One Africa Network: Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusive (D&I) growth works to reduce inequalities in the society, creating economic, personal and professional growth that delivers better quality opportunities for all. D&I also matters in business as drivers for achieving superior performance, revenue growth, motivates employees, fostering competitiveness and innovation. Businesses can reap multiple benefits from nurturing an inclusive and diverse workforce, reach new markets, understand and identify new opportunities for unparalleled growth if they foster inclusive customer bases, products and services, value chains and market channels.

To harness and fully realise D&I in workplace, they must adopt principles of inclusiveness, strategies and models to harness a conducive culture. Diversity does not automatically lead to inclusion. Workplace D&I is about valuing every employee as an individual with differing capabilities. However, D&I remains an empty words in much of corporate businesses. Despite regulatory policies, changing economic landscape and positive growth, most agree the full opportunity has not been realised, remain unchanged or had deepened. Many companies invest in diversity efforts, yet are disappointed with the meagre results. Businesses and professionals face common barriers that are significantly hindering success.

Join One Africa Network Business Series where panellists will break down barriers and discuss ideas for accelerating Diversity and Inclusive (D&I) Growth, and connect with like minded business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Panellists
- Panel Chair: Eugene Nizeyimana, CEO, SSCG Consulting and Chair, One Africa Network
- Fajli Bibi MA, Chair of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Inclusive Leadership Group, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Director, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), TV Presenter, Empowered Women Show be on TV and Founder, Faj Transformation Consultancy.
- Prof Kiran Trehan, Professor of Leadership and Enterprise Development, Director of the Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Leadership, Economy & Diversity (WE LEAD), Director of Business Engagement, University of Birmingham.
- Dr. Nana O Bonsu, Research Fellow on Responsible Business – Sustainability, Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.
- Jacynth Ivey, Non-executive directors (NED), Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation, Associate NED, Health Education England, NED, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Founder, J2 Consultancy.
- Dr. Rochelle A. Haynes, Senior HRM Consultant, Performance Works International, Senior Lecturer, UWE Bristol.
- Mayokun - Mac Alonge, Founder and CEO, The Equal Group - A data-driven, equality, diversity and inclusion tech company.
- Cllr Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, WMCA Housing & Land Delivery Board.