Africa Conference
                        Empowering Future Business Leaders
                    
            
                    July 25 – 26, 2024
                
            
                    Pretoria, South Africa
                
            
                Agenda Timezone:
            
        
            Agenda:
        
    
            Agenda Timezone:
        
    
            SAST
        
        
            South Africa Standard Time
        
    
                Wednesday
            
            
                July 24
            
        
                                7:00 AM - 11:00 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Starting your Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Accreditation Journey Workshop
                        
                        
                                    This workshop is of real value to business schools who are considering or have already decided to enter the Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå accreditation process. It provides participants with a clear understanding of the requirements of Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå accreditation, the journey itself and how to complete the initial steps that will launch a school towards accreditation.  With a mix of group work, discussion and exercises this workshop will leave a school well placed to decide whether it wants to pursue accreditation and, if it does, how to get the journey underway successfully. Separate registration and fee required. Click here to learn more!
                                
                                    
                Facilitator
            
        
            Geoff Perry
        
        
            EVP, Global Chief Membership Officer and Managing Director Asia Pacific
        
                    
                Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå International
            
    
                Thursday
            
            
                July 25
            
        
                                3:00 AM - 3:45 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Roundtable Discussions
                        
                        
                                    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.
                                
                                    
                Facilitator
            
        
            John North
        
        
            Managing Director
        
                    
                Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative
            
    
            Olayinka David-West
        
        
            Associate Dean
        
                    
                Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University
            
    
                                4:00 AM - 5:00 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Conference Welcome & Keynote: Shaping the Future Business Leaders
                        
                        
                                    Join us for a conference welcome message from Sherif H. Kamel, Chair of Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå 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.
    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.
                Moderator
            
        
            Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu
        
        
            Dean, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
        
                    
                University of Pretoria
            
    
            Sherif H. Kamel
        
        
            Chair of Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Board of Directors, Dean, School of Business
        
                    
                The American University in Cairo
            
    
            Judy Dlamini
        
        
            Non-Executive Director at the SA SME Fund, and Chancellor
        
                    
                University of the Witwatersrand
            
    
                                5:30 AM - 6:30 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Rethinking Sustainability for Africa
                        
                        
                                    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. 
                                
    
                Moderator
            
        
            Hanane El Kouari
        
        
            Associate Director, International Relations
        
                    
                IESEG School of Management
            
    
            David Mathuva
        
        
            Associate Dean, Academics and Student Affairs, Business School
        
                    
                Strathmore University
            
    
            Yasmine SY SARR
        
        
            Academic Director, Strategic Development and Quality Assurance Director
        
                    
                Groupe Sup de Co Dakar
            
    
                                7:30 AM - 8:15 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Case Studies in Business Education
                        
                        
                                    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.  
                                
                                    
            Boris Urban
        
        
            Professor and Director
        
                    
                Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand
            
    
            Engy Magdy
        
        
            Director of El Khazindar Business Research and Case Center
        
                    
                The American University in Cairo
            
    
                                8:45 AM - 9:30 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Competency Assessment for Enhancing African Graduate Employability in the Future of Work
                        
                        
                                    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.    
                                
                                    
            Sean Kruger
        
        
            Senior Lecturer, Center for the Future of Work
        
                    
                University of Pretoria
            
    
                                9:45 AM - 10:30 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Rethinking Curricula in the Future of Work Context
                        
                        
                                    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. 
                                
                                    
            Madiha Ferjani
        
        
            Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives, Accreditations Manager, Mediterranean School of Business
        
                    
                SMU - South Mediterranean University
            
    
            Washika Haak-Saheem
        
        
            Dean, Dubai Business School
        
                    
                University of Dubai
            
    
                                11:30 AM - 2:00 PM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Networking Dinner at Javett Arts Centre at the University of Pretoria Hatfield campus
                        
                        
            Sim Tshabalala
        
        
            CEO
        
                    
                Standard Bank Group
            
    
                Friday
            
            
                July 26
            
        
                                3:00 AM - 3:30 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Accreditation Q&A
                        
                        
                                    This informal Q&A session is an opportunity to bring questions related to your institution’s Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå 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.  
                                
                                    
            Geoff Perry
        
        
            EVP, Global Chief Membership Officer and Managing Director Asia Pacific
        
                    
                Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå International
            
    
            Ralph Palliam
        
        
            Dean of College of Business and Economics
        
                    
                American University of Kuwait
            
    
                                3:45 AM - 4:30 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Entrepreneurship in the African Context
                        
                        
                                    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. 
                                
                                    
            Jon Foster-Pedley
        
        
            Dean and Director, Henley Business School & Board Chair
        
                    
                Association of African Business Schools
            
    
            Rutendo Hwindingwi
        
        
            Founder and CEO
        
                    
                Tribe Africa Advisory
            
    
                                5:00 AM - 5:45 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Using Generative AI to Solve African Challenges
                        
                        
                                    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.
                                
                                    
            Riaz Osman
        
        
            Managing Partner, IBM Consulting, Southern Africa & Africa Growth Markets
        
                    
                IBM Corporation
            
    
            Yetunde Anibaba
        
        
            Senior Lecturer and Accreditation Director
        
                    
                Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University
            
    
                                6:00 AM - 7:00 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Collaborative Initiatives Across Africa
                        
                        
                                    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. 
                                
    
                Moderator
            
        
            Saad Laraqui
        
        
            Director of Research
        
                    
                ESCA Ecole de Management
            
    
            Ahmed M. Abdel-Meguid
        
        
            Professor of Accounting & Associate Provost for Enrollment Management
        
                    
                The American University in Cairo
            
    
            Lorena Zanelli
        
        
            Director of International Relations
        
                    
                IESEG School of Management
            
    
            Natasha Winkler-Titus
        
        
            Local Chair of the Africa Academy of Management and Faculty
        
                    
                Stellenbosch University
            
    
                                8:00 AM - 8:45 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            FinTech Innovations 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. 
                                
                                    
            Catherine Duggan
        
        
            Dean, Graduate School of Business
        
                    
                University of Cape Town
            
    
            Justice Nyigmah Bawole
        
        
            Dean, Business School
        
                    
                University of Ghana
            
    
                                9:00 AM - 9:50 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            The Role of Startups in Innovating Africa
                        
                        
                                    This session will focus on the role of startups in innovation and economic growth across Africa. 
                                
    
                Moderator
            
        
            Morris Mthombeni
        
        
            Dean
        
                    
                Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria
            
    
            Lutfiyya Moosa
        
        
            Group Director of Technology
        
                    
                Onafriq
            
    
            Vuyane Mhlomi
        
        
            Chief Executive Officer
        
                    
                Quro Medical
            
    
                                9:50 AM - 10:00 AM SAST
                            
                            
                        
                            Closing Comments
                        
                        
            Morris Mthombeni
        
        
            Dean
        
                    
                Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria