Speakers

Kwadwo Benko is a leading voice in the UK tech industry, driving strategic AI adoption and championing inclusive innovation at Microsoft. As a Copilot Solution Engineer specialising in enablement , he works directly with public sector organisations, police forces, regulators, and enterprise customers to unlock the transformative power of Microsoft Copilot and the broader AI stack. Whether through national initiatives like One Big Thing or sector-specific programmes such as Copilot for Police, Kwadwo blends deep technical knowledge with a human-centred approach, accelerating adoption, maturity, and trust in AI.

He began his Copilot journey by architecting Microsoft UK’s internal adoption strategy, scaling usage to over 2,000 employees and delivering a 50% uplift in daily active use. Building on that success, he now supports over 60 organisations in embedding AI across frontline and back-office workflows, from report writing and policy analysis to agentic automation.

Kwadwo has designed and delivered nationally adopted frameworks such as A-LEVEL, ALERT, PROTECT, SPARK, REVIEW, and INSIGHT — tools that are now foundational across policing, central government, and regulatory sectors. These frameworks are recognised for turning complex AI concepts into practical, impactful skills for everyday users.

Currently, he is spearheading Copilot enablement across the UK Civil Service, helping to equip thousands of public servants with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to deliver better outcomes for the public through AI. In just the past three months, he has delivered over 50 hours of live training and enablement, influencing the future of public sector by embedding agentic thinking, driving responsible adoption, and supporting a culture of innovation across government.

Kwadwo’s work is reshaping how the UK thinks about AI, not just as a tool, but as a trusted partner in transformation. His sessions and framework help employees across sectors harness AI for societal good, while reinforcing Microsoft’s position as a leader in responsible, inclusive technology.

Whether he’s working with chief constables, senior civil servants, or local frontline teams, Kwadwo remains focused on scale, equity, and purpose. His impact spans strategy, storytelling, and skilling  ensuring AI adoption isn’t just successful, but sustainable and inclusive for all.

Outside Role:

Beyond his formal role, Kwadwo is a recognised leader in diversity and inclusion, driving lasting cultural change across Microsoft and the broader tech sector. He sits on the leadership teams of two of Microsoft’s largest employee resource groups. Embrace (Ethnicity at Microsoft UK Employee) and the Disability ERG, where he serves as Head of Marketing and Communications, leading outreach, strategy, and engagement. He also co-chairs BEAM (Black Employees at Microsoft), where he plays a central role in community advocacy, allyship, and cultural programming for black employees.

In 2025, Kwadwo co-led Microsoft UK’s Black History Month under the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, delivering a month-long programme that brought together employees, leaders, and community partners to celebrate Black excellence and confront structural inequality. His work earned him his third ERG Impact Award for outstanding impact in cultural programming and leadership.

Through each initiative, Kwadwo brings creativity, strategic thinking, and lived experience to the forefront, from building inclusive comms infrastructure to rebranding entire ERGs for greater reach and impact. He’s led multiple award-winning campaigns, built partnerships with charities, and continues to champion accessibility, representation, and equity in tech.

Whether he’s amplifying underrepresented voices, mentoring early-career talent, or shaping safer, more inclusive AI experiences, Kwadwo’s work reflects a clear principle: technology must work for everyone, and inclusion must be built in, not bolted on. His commitment to community, culture, and equity is as strong as his technical impact and it continues to influence how Microsoft shows up as a more representative and responsible organisation.