11 Jun 2026

Global changes driven by Artificial Intelligence AI and digital technologies are reshaping business operations and creating demand for new and adaptable skills, says Speaker of Parliament, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Officially opening the 9th Officially opening the 9th Strategic Human Resource Conference in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mr Keorapetse therefore stressed the need for talent development, ethical leadership, and supportive workplace environments.

He said workers expected workplaces that were inclusive, ethical and responsive to their needs.

Addressing the conference themed: Shaping the Future of Work in Africa: AI, Labour Reform and Human-Centered Leadership, Mr Keorapetse said Africa faced the challenge of encouraging innovation while ensuring that technological progress remained people-centred and inclusive.

He further noted that as new skills became essential, young Africans were seeking meaningful employment opportunities and greater participation in economic development.

“The future of Africa depends on the quality of its human capital,” he said. 

He also challenged African countries to strengthen their institutions and economies to curb brain drain and protect critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

One of the speakers, health practitioner, Prof. Kiran Bhagat highlighted the growing impact of workplace stress on employee health and productivity.

Prof. Bhagat said stress-related conditions such as headaches, cardiovascular diseases, and other health complications were becoming increasingly common. 

He noted that mental and emotional abuse often go unrecognised despite their significant contribution to poor health outcomes and reduced workplace performance.

He argued that prescribing antidepressants or relying on temporary remedies was insufficient to address mental health challenges caused by toxic work environments. 

Instead, he advocated for a deeper understanding of the social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting employees’ well-being.

According to Prof. Bhagat, achieving true wellness required tackling the root causes of stress and unhealthy behaviours, particularly within workplace settings, rather than focusing solely on medication and symptom management. ENDS