The rise of artificial intelligence in organizations, the emergence of new professions, and the growing challenges related to employability are now forcing human resources professionals to completely rethink their practices. These crucial issues largely dominated the discussions during the panels focused on the theme "The HR Function in 2026: Assessment, Transformations, and Prospects," which took place on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

According to the organizers, governance reforms, the accelerated digitalization of businesses, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the rapid evolution of employee expectations are profoundly reshaping the role of human resources managers. However, in many Senegalese organizations, traditional management methods remain insufficiently adapted to these new technological and managerial realities.

Speaking during the discussions, Professor Brahim Gaye emphasized that technological upheaval is no longer limited to simple work tools. "AI is revolutionizing the way we work, the way we function, and the way we interact," he stated. Adding to this digital revolution are new demands from employees, who are now increasingly seeking meaning, a better work-life balance, and improved compensation.

Strongly supporting the initiative, Diouma Tirera, the Director General of the Dakar Autonomous Port (PAD) Foundation, believes that companies must adapt their human capital management to the structural changes linked to artificial intelligence and new professions. "The world is changing," he emphasized, highlighting the responsibilities of decision-makers.

Dr. Touba Fall, technical advisor and human resources expert at the PAD, noted that the function itself has radically changed in scope. "We used to talk about personnel directors. Today, we talk more about human capital directors because the concepts and practices have evolved," he explained to the audience.

The expert particularly emphasized the major challenges related to employment and continuing education. Faced with the emergence of new job profiles and the rapid obsolescence of sought-after skills, human resources professionals intend to actively contribute to the development of skills and training frameworks that are much better suited to the immediate and future needs of the labor market.

Beyond simple diagnosis, this conference aims to produce concrete, operational recommendations for businesses, training institutions, and public authorities. The stated objective is to better prepare Senegalese organizations for the ongoing systemic transformations while strengthening the competitiveness of the national human capital.

"If Senegal wants to be successful, it needs to have high-quality human resources in sufficient quantity," argued Dr. Touba Fall, thus summarizing one of the main challenges raised during the proceedings.