Today’s global landscape is complex, and Africa has its unique blend of challenges including business, social, and environmental issues, each in differing contexts and communities. Despite this, the influence of Western business education remains strong across Africa, prompting questions about its efficacy in addressing the continent’s specific challenges.

In a recent White Paper by Henley Business School, deans of African business schools and higher education leaders offered insights into this issue. Beyond questioning the suitability of current business education models and institutions for a world undergoing significant leadership and sustainability shifts, the unique role of African business schools is highlighted. They must balance positioning themselves within global academic standards while addressing local challenges and making tangible impacts on African societies.

This calls for a dual focus: inward, towards local contexts and challenges, and outward, to maintain global credibility. African business schools are urged to evolve beyond traditional classroom confines and take on a more proactive role in fostering continental collaboration, driving change, and contributing to African economic growth.

Extending the impact of business schools in Africa

Extending the influence of business schools in Africa involves three key areas:

• direct impact through curriculum design and research,
• social impact by nurturing transformative leadership, and
• systemic impact by shaping policy and advocating for change.

Collaboration between business schools, governments, and businesses is essential for lasting change. The business schools need to draw real-life scenarios and experiences from the government, institutions and other companies to enhance the development of students.

To measure the effectiveness of these changes, Howard Thomas proposes the “Three Cs”: country, culture, and context, with the continent as an additional focus. This holistic approach ensures that business education in Africa remains relevant to the continent’s diverse needs and aspirations.

A roadmap for change with Africa as the compass

Transitioning between academic institutions takes time, as noted by one individual. African business schools are encountering significant challenges, including limited resources and fragmentation. With 54 distinct economies, each with its own needs and priorities, business schools require a reflection on this diversity, collaboration and shared goals as essential for progress.

Considering these hurdles, the Henley Africa white paper proposes a roadmap to assist African business schools in developing practical and forward-looking strategies that align with their purpose, relevance, and growth. The plan emphasizes mindful evolution strategies and maintaining cultural and contextual relevance.

The African Business School Impact Action Plan outlines nine key areas for consideration, aiming to revolutionize management education across the continent. It underscores the need for strategic adaptation to a rapidly changing world and stresses the significance of regional cooperation alongside a global perspective.

Innovative interventions, such as leveraging digital tools, are recommended to enhance impact. While some argue against diminishing the importance of top-tier journal publications, others advocate for strong, globally accredited business schools in specific regions to serve as models for others.

Furthermore, business schools must anticipate future contexts, promote autonomy, engage with stakeholders, and cultivate high-quality faculty. Accreditation bodies also play a crucial role in enhancing the impact of African business schools by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Despite the progress made, there is room for further development. Balancing African identity with global influence presents both challenges and opportunities. As highlighted by Henley’s White Paper, their framework for building a dynamic Business school that will build community and potential is by highlighting important goals and strategies for making a positive impact.

African education, particularly business schools, is undergoing significant transformation and maturation.

Source: The EMFD Business Magazine