Between 5th and 9th May 2025, we hosted the Nairobi module of the Global CEO Africa Programme. The module, themed; Understanding the Global and East & Southern Africa Perspectives, set the stage for a rich, week-long exchange of insights, strategy, and leadership best practices. This year’s cohort brings together participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda and represents a variety of sectors such as banking, technology, energy, and insurance.
The Programme started with a session on ethical transformational leadership with Dr. Caesar Mwangi, reinforcing the importance of principled decision-making in an era of rapid change.
A key point of reflection of the Programme was Africa’s underutilized intra-regional trade potential. Reports show only 15–18% of Africa’s trade occurs within the continent, far below Europe’s 60% and North America’s 40%. Much of Africa’s exports remain focused on raw materials shipped to markets in China, Europe, and the U.S. The session, facilitated by Allen Sophia Asiimwe, Chief of Programmes at TradeMark Africa, examined how initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aim to reverse the trend by removing trade barriers and promoting regional economic integration.
The programme featured two Kenyan case studies, the East African Breweries PLC (EABL) and the Equity Group case study. Jane Karuku, Group MD & CEO of East African Breweries PLC (EABL), walked us through the company’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her reflections, accompanied by the case study “EABL: Navigating a Major Disruption,” offered practical lessons in resilience and innovation.
Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group, and Mary Wangari Wamae, former Group Executive Director at Equity Bank, shared the remarkable story of Equity Bank’s strategic expansion into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their insights on growth through acquisition illustrated bold yet thoughtful leadership in action.
The Nairobi module concluded with an inspirational field visit to SHOFCO (Shining Hope for Communities), a grassroots movement headquartered in Kibera. Led by Mark Muriithi Laichena and Iovanna Mesopir, SHOFCO is transforming lives in urban informal settlements through services such as:
- Access to Education
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
- Sustainable Livelihood Programmes
- The SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN)
- Gender and Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
The visit reminded participants of ethical leadership, inclusive development, and the profound role of grassroots innovation in shaping a better future for all.
After the Nairobi module, we anticipate the next leg of the programme at the Lagos Business School in Lagos, Nigeria.
About the Global CEO Africa Programme
As an industry leader, you chart your company’s course, chart its strategy, and foster a culture guided by clear objectives and a shared mission. Today, the global, interconnected world calls for executive leaders who are uniquely attuned to the economic currents and market shifts that could advance or undermine their firm’s long-term sustainability.
The Global CEO – Africa Programme has been designed to enhance your strategic vision and equip you with new tools to navigate better disruptive trends that could impact your business. This programme aims to unite African business leaders to co-create African leadership solutions as they transform their organizations. It is delivered by Strathmore University Business School jointly with the Lagos Business School in Nigeria and the YALE School of Management in New York. Learn more about this Programme here
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