Educators
Africa Conference
Empowering Future Business Leaders
Date(s)
July 25 – 26
Location
Pretoria, South Africa
Event Type
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Agenda Timezone:
Agenda:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM SAST
Conference Welcome & Keynote: 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.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 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.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SAST
Societal Impact & the AACSB Business Accreditation Standards
Join this session on how AACSB Accreditation Standards can help business schools enhance their societal impact, with a focus on practical implementation.
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM 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.
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM 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.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM SAST
Accreditation Q&A
This informal Q&A session is an opportunity to bring questions related to your institution’s AACSB 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.
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM SAST
Entrepreneurship in the African Context
Speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs across the continent, from navigating diverse markets to fostering innovation amidst local dynamics. Join this session to 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.
11:00 AM - 11:45 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.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM 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.