In 1991, GE employees created the global Affinity Forum, to better nurture employees from diverse backgrounds and empower them to take action and move forward in their careers. In 2016, GE's African American Affinity Forum celebrates its 25th anniversary. The forum has focused on energising allies and connecting with other leaders in diversity throughout the globe.

For the past two years, Abu Sulemana, GE Africa's Chief Information Officer, has led the African Affinity Forum (AAF) and has enabled it to grow and flourish throughout the continent. This past March, Abu handed off his duties to two new leaders, who can grow the AAF to new heights by empowering local employees. These two new AAF Co-Leaders, Thuli Phiri, Head of Communications and Public Affairs - for Southern Africa, and Uzo Nwagwu, Chief Operating Officer Sub Saharan Africa – GE Oil & Gas, are excited about where the future leads for AAF.

When Abu stepped down from his post, he gave Thuli and Uzo three key mandates. They must ensure the continuity and growth for the AAF in the region by partnering with business units, HR and local communities in various markets to drive success; support the Alstom integration by utilising AAF chapters as a platform to welcome new Alstom colleagues as they settle into GE; and increase the number of active AAF members in the region, serving as the link between their regions and global Affinity Forum initiatives.

"I have always had a passion and commitment for the values that drive the AAF in this region," said Thuli Phiri. "I am excited to grow this program and empower my fellow colleagues." Thuli also serves as part of the leadership team for the global Affinity Forum Symposium 2016 communications committee, responsible for leading global public relations surrounding the 25th anniversary activities.

"I've been working at GE since 2011, and in my role as Sub Saharan Africa COO for GE Oil & Gas, I can get a top level view of the diversity issues that our employees are facing all over the continent," said Uzo, who until recently had led AAF activities in West Africa. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to develop exciting programmes for employees in Africa."

Uzo and Thuli will be implementing new activities and driving partnerships designed to engage with business and community leaders across SSA. These partnerships will allow employees to gain new skills and increase retention for top employees. "If employees are happy, they stay in their jobs and do their best work," concluded Uzo. "The AAF is meant to be sure we are doing everything possible to keep our employees motivated and happy to work for GE."

GE has also appointed new local leadership for the African arm of the GE Women's Network. The GE Women's Network was created in 1997 to assist female employees at GE with career growth and empowerment. This effort includes sharing the experience, best practices, and knowledge of successful women role models: the executive team represents a diverse group of women from each of GE's businesses and critical corporate functions. Today the rapidly growing Women's Network has evolved into a worldwide organisation of over 150 hubs in 43 countries helping thousands of women around the world.

In Africa, two women have stepped up to lead the charge. Adesua Dozie and Anne Jason have been appointed co-leaders for the Women's Network in GE Africa. They will be taking over from Welela Dawit and Patricia Obozuwa, who have been leading the network in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past three years.

Adesua is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria and serves as the General Counsel for the Gas Power System and Services business. Anne Jason is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is the Executive Sourcing Leader for Sub-Saharan Africa. Both have a passion for empowering and motivating women, and giving them all the tools necessary to reach their potential.

This article first appeared on GE Reports sub-Saharan Africa