Afua Hagan
Afua Hagan is a journalist, TV and Radio Presenter and leading voice on DEI
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Afua Hagan
Afua is currently Royal Commentator for CTV News, Senior International Correspondent for News Central Africa, Managing Editor of Black Business Magazine, and host of The Royal Dress Code podcast.
Her expertise extends beyond journalism into public speaking, where she is a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator and host. Drawing on her own journey from Glasgow to the forefront of British media, Afua delivers powerful keynote speeches on social mobility, diversity and inclusion, representation, equity, women’s leadership and overcoming barriers to success. She speaks passionately about creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and ensuring that talent—not background—determines success.
In 2024, Afua delivered a highly acclaimed TEDx Talk, “Too Dark for Daytime TV,” exploring race, representation and belonging in the media industry. Her keynote speeches challenge audiences to rethink assumptions around class, race, access and opportunity, while providing practical insights into building more inclusive organisations and workplaces.
Afua has delivered keynote speeches, moderated panels and hosted events for organisations including Retail Week, the NHS, HSBC, Compare the Market, Inmarsat and Cambridgeshire Police, earning a reputation for combining insight, authenticity and humour with compelling storytelling.
A passionate and experienced journalist, Afua has hosted Sustainable Energy for CNBC, written for The Voice Newspaper, served as Editor-in-Chief of Glam Africa Magazine, and held senior editorial roles across a range of publications. Her broadcasting career has included positions at Arise News, ABN TV, The Beat 103.6FM and numerous national and international outlets.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Afua moved to London at 17 to study journalism at City University. Her career has spanned television production, music publishing, journalism, broadcasting and public speaking, giving her a unique perspective on the intersections of culture, media, business and social change.
Recognised for her contributions to broadcasting, Afua has received honours from the Black Women in Business Awards and the Women4Africa Awards.
Today, Afua continues to shape conversations around the Royal Family, race, representation, social mobility and equality, while inspiring audiences to challenge barriers, broaden opportunities and create meaningful change.
Afua lives and works in London. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, travelling, watching basketball and volunteering at her daughter’s secondary school.
To book Diversity Speaker Afua Hagan, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
My Personal Journey
In this powerful and personal keynote, Afua Hagan shares her journey as a broadcaster and journalist, reflecting on the impact of the events of 2020 on both her career and identity. She explores the challenges of being a Black woman in the public eye, the complexities of representation, and the difference between diversity and true inclusion. Through honest storytelling, Afua encourages audiences to consider what meaningful change really looks like within organisations and society.
On Race, Ethnicity and Culture
Afua explores the important distinctions between race, ethnicity and culture, and how misunderstanding these concepts can shape the way we interact with others. Combining social science, history and genetics, she challenges common assumptions and demonstrates how much we share as human beings. This thought-provoking session encourages greater understanding, empathy and confidence when discussing identity and difference.
Inclusivity in the Workplace
Workplace diversity has become a key focus for organisations, but creating a truly inclusive culture requires more than representation alone. In this keynote, Afua examines the different forms of diversity, the benefits of inclusive workplaces and the practical steps organisations can take to foster belonging, innovation and stronger performance. She highlights why diversity and inclusion remain essential drivers of business success.
On Social Mobility
Afua explores the role social mobility plays in creating fairer, more prosperous societies. She examines how access to opportunity, education and career progression can unlock potential, drive innovation and strengthen economic growth. This inspiring keynote highlights why organisations should champion social mobility and how doing so benefits both individuals and businesses alike.
On Effective Communication to Bring About Real Change
Creating meaningful change starts with honest and courageous conversations. In this keynote, Afua examines the importance of speaking up when witnessing prejudice or discrimination and explains how effective communication can help challenge bias and foster understanding. She encourages audiences to reflect on their own assumptions, recognise unconscious biases and develop the confidence to have difficult but necessary conversations that drive lasting change.
Afua Hagan’s other keynote topics include:
- Social Mobility: Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunity
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action
- Representation Matters: Why Visibility Changes Lives
- Women in Leadership
- Navigating the Media Industry as an Outsider
- Building Inclusive Workplace Cultures
- Black Britain Today: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities
- The Power of Authentic Storytelling
- Personal Branding and Career Reinvention
What sets our speakers apart is not just their credentials, but their ability to engage and captivate.
Client Feedback
"Afua’s talk was great. The audience really appreciated her openness to share her experiences and we had some excellent questions. Afua answered them brilliantly."
Agatha Kennedy, WildBrain
"I just wanted to drop a quick note to say how fabulous Afua was. She really brought a fresh perspective, energy and positivity to the session."
Harprit Hockley, NHS England
"Afua, it was brilliant to hear your stories and experiences and to learn and understand more about Black History. Thank you again. Your talk helped to open minds."
Rachel Power, Head of Internal Comms at IQ Student Accommodation
"Afua, thank you so much again for taking the time to do the talk today. It was super useful for me in HR but also the whole team has been singing your praises on how great and insightful it was."
Stint
"Very insightful and thought-provoking! Eye-opening, enlightening talk - thank you."
CMR Surgical
"Afua’s stories and experiences come from the heart and really hit home - how we all have a responsibility around racial equality as everyone deserves to be who they are."
Caroline Thomas, Director of HR, B&Q
"It’s rare that you come across such a standout talent as Afua. She often contributes to topics on shows across talkRADIO and has a reputation for being reliable, outspoken and a brilliant broadcaster. She has a thorough, eloquent and often feisty approach which is why she is so sought after. It’s always a pleasure to have her on the station."
Holly Keogh, Producer talkRADIO
"Afua is a passionate and energetic journalist who works tirelessly to give a voice to those who would otherwise not be heard. Her dedication to the cause of fair and impartial reporting is exemplary. Her burning desire for inequality and social injustice to be highlighted across the spectrum is extraordinary."
Tom Fredericks, Programme Editor, ARISE News
"Thank you for the inspiring talk with Inmarsat! As a first generation British Indian, I was able to draw parallels to the experiences and challenges you faced and was truly inspired to hear how you overcome and face them."
Fiona D’Sa
