From January 13th to 17th, 2025, Strathmore University Business School (SBS) had the pleasure of hosting over 50 Executive MBA students from IESE Business School in Spain for the Doing Business in Africa Programme, 2025. This year’s cohort represented 19 nationalities from various IESE Business School campuses worldwide, creating a vibrant mix of experiences and perspectives.
This year’s Programme was themed, The Africa Balance Sheet – Risks and Rewards of Doing Business in Africa aimed to provide the participants with a profound understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges of conducting business on the African continent.
The first day featured dynamic in-class sessions and interactive group exercises, bringing together students from Strathmore University Business School’s MBA Programme and the IESE Business School students. These sessions provided essential context on the African way of doing business, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning atmosphere.
The second day took students out of the classroom and into the heart of Africa’s business world. Visits to Safaricom PLC and Quickmart Supermarket offered insights into how leading African organizations innovate, scale impact, and deliver value across the region.
Day three offered a unique and enriching experience through immersive community engagement. The students visited Ushirika Girls’ High School in Kibera, where they engaged in one-on-one conversations and group activities, building connections and exchanging valuable insights.
A visit to Sanergy, a leader in sustainable sanitation and waste management kicked-off day four,followed by an inspiring session with Twende Sports, owners of the Nairobi City Thunder, Kenya’s fully privately-owned basketball team making waves across Africa. The fourth day culminated with an interactive session led by Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean of SBS. Dr. Mwangi explored the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Africa, identifying cultural dynamics, globalization, and underutilized resources as key obstacles. He emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative force for trade liberalization. These sessions provided deeper insights into Africa’s dynamic business landscape and its vast potential for growth and innovation.
The Doing Business in Africa Programme, a collaboration between SBS and IESE Business School, immerses students in the realities of Africa’s business environment. Through a blend of class sessions, industry visits, case studies, and negotiation exercises, students gain a holistic understanding of what it takes to succeed on the continent.
About the MBA for Executives Programme
The MBA for Executives Programme is tailored for individuals with at least two years of managerial experience seeking to broaden their knowledge and expertise. The program helps participants unlock their potential and develop the competencies needed to advance in their careers. It is offered in two flexible modes: Evening and Modular, catering to diverse professional needs.
Learn about the MBA for Executives Programme here
Article by Juliet Hinga
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