MBA in the news: Programs turn attention to Africa

BusinessWeek.com recently featured a story on France’s HEC School of Management’s efforts to make an impact in Africa. The initiative will help the Foundation of World Agriculture and Rural Life and the African Cotton Producers Association to “create locally run, industry-specific business programs for African cotton producers in 13 African countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Cameroon.” Current students will have the opportunity to travel to villages and hold meetings with local cotton producers. HEC officials hope their efforts will inspire other business schools to become more directly involved with Africa because there is a lot of talent and need there (see BusinessWeek.com “Africa’s B-School Challenge“).

Schools in the United States are certainly becoming more engaged with Africa. Wharton hosted a Global Africa Business Forum this past fall. Like other schools, Stanford has an Africa Business Club and students can participate in a study trip to South Africa next winter. HBS alum, Monique Maddy, who was originally from Liberia, wrote about her experiences returning to Africa after business school to build a telecommunications company in the memoir Learning to Love Africa. Her company has been the subject of an HBS case study.

There are so many ways to become involved with international projects while at business school. Be sure to research how your schools of choice are making an impact around the globe.