Networking
Registration, Networking and Welcome Coffee
Exhibition viewing and informal introductions.
AFRICA RETAIL HR SUMMIT & AWARDS 2027
One stage. Two days.
Retailer-first.
A complete programme for senior retail people leaders and carefully selected partners—built around practical decisions, measurable outcomes and valuable exchange.
27–28 January 2027 · Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff · JohannesburgDAY ONE · WEDNESDAY, 27 JANUARY 2027
People, Performance
& Frontline Excellence
DAY TWO · THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 2027
Technology, Skills
& the Future of Retail Work
One principal conference stage
No competing sessions. Every delegate can take part in the summit's most important conversations.
Approximately 70% retailer-led contentOfficial Welcome
Official Welcome
Opening remarks from the organiser and Programme Chair.
Keynote
Africa’s Retail Workforce 2027: From People Strategy to Store Performance
Speaker announcement coming soon.
CEO–CHRO Leadership Dialogue
Why People Strategy Belongs in the Growth, Customer and Margin Conversation
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Executive Panel
After the Peak: What the 2026 Festive Trading Season Revealed About Staffing, Absence, Productivity and Customer Experience
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Networking
Networking Break, Exhibition and Scheduled Meetings
Retailer Case Study
Frontline Retention Without Permanent Pay Inflation
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Technology-Enabled Retail Case Study
Smarter Workforce Scheduling: Matching Labour Demand, Employee Availability and Store Performance
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Executive Panel
The Store Manager Challenge: Building the Leadership Layer Retail Depends On
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Networking
Networking Lunch and Exhibition
Retailer Case Study
Building Frontline Capability Across Hundreds of Locations
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Partner and Customer Case Study
The Connected Frontline: Bringing Communication, Learning and Task Execution Into the Flow of Work
A practical customer-led implementation story—not a sales presentation.
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Roundtable
Retail Leadership Roundtables
Facilitated peer discussions, not presentations.
- Retention and absenteeism
- Reward and financial wellbeing
- Frontline productivity
- Culture across multiple markets
Networking
Networking Break and Scheduled Meetings
Leadership Fireside Conversation
One Group, Many Markets: Balancing Group Culture With African Operating Realities
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Retailer Case Study
People-to-Profit Case Study Forum
Three concise retail transformation stories demonstrating measurable business and workforce outcomes.
Speaker announcement coming soon.
Closing Remarks
Day One Closing Remarks
Awards
Africa Retail HR Awards and Retail Leaders Reception
Recognition, networking and celebration at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg.
Programme subject to refinement as speakers and partners are confirmed.
Retailer-led
The majority of content comes from leaders working inside retail businesses.
Evidence first
Case studies focus on implementation, results and lessons—not generic promotion.
Buyer controlled
Technology conversations are shaped by the priorities of retail people leaders.
Useful access
Breaks, meetings and roundtables create room for relevant commercial conversations.
27–28 JANUARY 2027 · JOHANNESBURG