European Business Schools Look to Africa to Cultivate Entrepreneurial Talent

European institutions are expanding their presence in Africa to bridge the gap in entrepreneurship education and support, offering tailored programs to empower African entrepreneurs.

As Africa emerges as a hotbed of entrepreneurial potential, European business schools are stepping up to provide education, mentorship, and resources to aspiring African entrepreneurs. With a youthful population, rapidly urbanizing economies, and abundant natural resources, the continent holds immense promise. However, limited access to education, financing, and mentorship has hindered the growth of African entrepreneurs. European institutions are recognizing this gap and are actively working to bridge it by offering tailor-made entrepreneurship programs and expanding their presence in Africa. This article explores the efforts of European business schools to cultivate a new generation of African entrepreneurs and support their journey towards success.

HEC Paris: Empowering African Entrepreneurs in Ivory Coast

HEC Paris, a leading European business school, has been present in Africa since 2007 and has recently expanded its activities by establishing a permanent office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s economic capital. In partnership with the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), HEC Paris has launched a Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. The 18-month program aims to equip African entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the business world. One of the first students, Amon Hugues-Michel Amon, plans to address the energy transition challenge in West Africa by creating a regulatory body for solar panel installations. HEC Paris aims to support 1,000 business projects through entrepreneurship programs in Africa over the next five years.

Filling the Gap in Globally Ranked Schools

While local business schools in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya cater to the growing demand for business education in Africa, provision of globally ranked schools on the continent remains limited. This gap has not gone unnoticed by European and US institutions, as well as Chinese counterparts, who are entering the African market. For example, China Europe International Business School (Ceibs) has established a base in Ghana, while Duke University Fuqua School of Business offers executive education programs. European institutions, such as Germany’s Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, collaborate with local universities in Africa to provide degree programs, short courses, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. These partnerships not only provide education but also bring global networks and partnerships that can help African entrepreneurs expand their businesses beyond national borders.

The Importance of Global Connections

European business schools recognize the importance of global connections in entrepreneurial success. Lancaster University Management School in the UK, for example, helps students at the American University in Cairo establish networks in Europe. Recognizing the barrier that the Strait of Gibraltar poses to businesses operating in North Africa, Lancaster University plans to expand its Entrepreneurs in Residence network to Ghana. By providing opportunities for students to connect with founders and mentors, European business schools facilitate the exchange of ideas and access to potential investors, helping African entrepreneurs overcome geographical barriers.

Challenges and Adaptation

European business schools face challenges in adapting their programs to the unique needs and contexts of various African markets. Affordability and accessibility are crucial considerations in a continent with significant poverty and economic disparities. Henley Business School, for instance, delivers an Executive MBA program in South Africa but has found it more effective to provide entrepreneurial training in smaller forms and at different levels. They offer short certificate courses that cater to a broader population. To ensure the success of entrepreneurship programs, European institutions must avoid a “savior mentality” and understand the local context to tackle challenges such as access to funding and poor infrastructure.

Building an Ecosystem for Entrepreneurship

European business schools collaborate with local business schools, incubators, accelerators, and established entrepreneurs to create an ecosystem that facilitates the exchange of ideas, development of connections, and access to potential investors. Spain’s Iese Business School, for example, has helped set up local business schools in Africa and continues to support them through its Africa Initiative. By welcoming African participants to its campuses in Madrid and Barcelona, Iese provides education and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. These efforts aim to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation in Africa.

Conclusion:

European business schools are recognizing the immense potential of African entrepreneurship and are actively working to bridge the gap in education, mentorship, and resources. By offering tailor-made programs, expanding their presence in Africa, and collaborating with local institutions, European institutions are empowering African entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and contribute to the development of their continent. As Africa’s future depends on sustainable businesses that generate value and employment opportunities, the efforts of European business schools play a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa.