Africa Conference

As the global population surpasses eight billion, sub-Saharan Africa's population is set to double by 2050, driving increased consumption and economic activity. Yet, we are exceeding six of nine planetary boundaries, highlighting the urgency of our situation. Geopolitical tensions and growing social inequalities compound these challenges, creating a 'permacrisis'—a complex network of interconnected global crises revealing systemic failures across environmental, economic, and cultural dimensions. Join this session to engage in roundtable discussions with your peers to explore how business and management educators can foster profound systemic reforms. Discussions’ focus will be on co-creation and collaboration that transcends boundaries and egos, addressing these global challenges with actionable solutions and a renewed commitment to social and environmental justice.

Join us for a conference welcome message from Sherif H. Kamel, Chair of AACSB International Board of Directors and Dean at the American University in Cairo School of Business. Following his address, attend the opening keynote on shaping the future business leaders.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2035, more young Africans will enter the global workforce than the rest of the world combined, presenting unprecedented opportunities for innovation and progress. Through strategic investments in education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Africa's youth have the potential to reshape the continent's economic landscape. With projections indicating Africa's pivotal role in the world economy, this session examines how business schools can lead the charge in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and contributors to the global workforce.

African countries are lagging in reaching their SDGs by 2030. Explore innovative approaches to education for sustainable development, focusing on how educators in Africa can effectively cultivate sustainability leadership, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economy systems. Discover strategies for integrating sustainability into curricula and fostering research and innovation for a more sustainable future that embraces the unique challenges and opportunities of the continent.

This session will highlight the effective use of case studies as a pedagogical tool in business education, focusing on the process of case study development and its application in teaching. Speakers will cover the creation process—from research to publication—and demonstrate how case studies effectively link theory to practice. Learn how these tools engage students, foster critical thinking, and enhance learning in both undergraduate and graduate settings.

This project focuses on mapping out essential competencies needed by African graduates to thrive in the rapidly evolving job market, influenced significantly by technological advancements. Our approach starts with a comprehensive quantitative review of global competencies, followed by thematic qualitative analyses via focus groups in South African universities, expanding to incorporate international academic perspectives. This study involves collaboration with multiple universities.  

Explore innovative approaches to curriculum design and program structure (including online learning) that respond to the evolving demands of the workforce across the continent. Discover how to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in diverse industries and navigate the complexities of the future job market. Speakers will share strategies for integrating emerging technologies, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting lifelong learning.

This informal Q&A session is an opportunity to bring questions related to your institution’s AACSB accreditation visit. Whether you are entering the initial accreditation process or have a continuous improvement review visit coming up, we invite you to join us.

Join this session to hear the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs across the continent, from navigating diverse markets to fostering innovation amidst local dynamics. Discover strategies for preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs while equipping business students with culturally relevant skills and insights for economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

How can we use generative AI to transform Africa for the better? With 43% of Africans (approximately 600 million people), lacking access to electricity—most of them in sub-Saharan Africa—the potential for AI to drive improvements in infrastructure is immense. Speakers will discuss strategies to integrate generative AI into various sectors such as environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and healthcare. Discover how cutting-edge technology can empower students to use AI for societal good, focusing on enhancing accessibility and quality of life across the continent.

Explore the role of partnerships between African business schools and various external stakeholders, including the public sector and local communities. Discover how these alliances drive impactful research, create sustainable solutions, and foster economic development across the continent. Speakers will share insights on cultivating effective collaborations, maximizing mutual benefits, and leveraging collective expertise for sustainable growth and prosperity in Africa.

Join this session for a discussion on the growth and transformative impact of FinTech in Africa, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector. Speakers will share how FinTech is shaping financial services, contributing to economic development, and how business schools are incorporating FinTech in their programs.

This session will focus on the role of startups in innovation and economic growth across Africa.