The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) co-hosted the first Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Conference on African soil, from 25 to 26 July 2024 at UP’s Future Africa Institute.

The AACSB is the leading and oldest international accreditation body for business education. It has awarded its prestigious accreditation to both the EMS Faculty and GIBS for their quality commerce education, which meets global standards.

Themed ‘Empowering Future Leaders’, the AACSB Africa Conference brought together delegates from more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America to explore how business schools can lead in shaping the next generation of business leaders; address critical issues and opportunities facing the African continent; and advance business education and practice in Africa.

Topics related to Africa and sustainability such as entrepreneurship, graduate employability, technology, innovation, and the future of work were discussed during the conference. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers dedicated to advancing business education and practice in Africa.

In her keynote address, prominent business leader and Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, Dr Judy Dlamini highlighted the role of business schools in Africa’s economic future. With the continent’s young population expected to represent 42% of global youth by 2030, Dr Dlamini stressed the urgency of investing in leadership education to drive innovation, economic growth and job creation. She noted that despite Africa’s abundant human capital and resources, productivity and economic progress have been slow.

A philanthropist and advocate for education and development, Dr Dlamini stated that investment in entrepreneurship education and the development of local languages as well as digital tools are pivotal to address inequality and foster innovation in Africa. She highlighted that collaboration across sectors, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and ethical leadership into business education are crucial for driving sustainable economic growth and developing impactful business leaders.

“It is vital for business schools to teach candidates how to use AI – this includes the ethical and social responsibilities it brings – and to implement it themselves into their working practices,” Dr Dlamini said.

From left to right: Prof Morris Mthombeni, Dean of GIBS, Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the EMS Faculty at UP, Dr Judy Dlamini, Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, and Prof Sherif Kamel, Dean of the School of Business at The American University in Cairo and Chair of the AACSB International Board of Directors

During the conference’s gala dinner, hosted at UP’s Javett Art Centre, CEO of the Standard Bank Group Sim Tshabalala, delivered an enlightening address on Africa’s rich legacy in trade and human development. He highlighted the continent’s historical role in global trade, dating back some 12 000 years ago, and the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to double intra-African trade by 2035. He also stressed the need for substantial infrastructure investment to address the continent’s energy deficit, and to balance development with environmental sustainability.

Echoing Dr Dlamini’s remarks, Tshabalala emphasised the crucial role that business schools play in advancing Africa’s growth by integrating technical skills with diverse disciplines such as the humanities and philosophy to develop business leaders who are both empathetic and critical thinkers. This would equip them to tackle Africa’s challenges with both imagination and practical expertise.

“Successful leaders need strong social skills, empathy, and the ability to reflect on the ultimate meaning and purpose of their enterprise,” Tshabalala said.

The AACSB Africa Conference served as a platform for forward-thinking educators, business leaders and stakeholders to engage, exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions that promote a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa. It presented an opportunity for researchers and thought leaders to collaborate to collectively shape the future of business education and leadership in Africa.