Can you truly understand business and the economy in Africa without immersing yourself in it?
We recently curated a 5-day intensive “Immersion Mission” in Nairobi, Kenya, for WU Executive Academy‘s Global Executive MBA program, blending high-level lectures, company site visits, and direct dialogue with local business leaders and citizens.
For many European managers and executives, the trip was a profound mindset shift. Too many prejudices and misconceptions about the neighbouring continent are preventing us from getting a realistic picture at home. As one of them shared:
👉 “We in Europe have almost no idea about the reality in Africa.”
With consequences, as someone else put it:
👉 “My approach to business, nature, and the future has changed. “
It was the people’s entrepreneurial spirit, their attitude and their smartness that made such an impression. And the way local companies tackled problems.
To paraphrase Peter Drucker, bottlenecks and scarcities are the ultimate drivers of innovation.
Look at the rise of Mobile Money in Kenya and then Africa – a foundational technology born from needs that now drives global trends. Our participants saw firsthand how the region turns complex challenges into massive business opportunities.
More European leaders need this exposure. As one participant concluded:
👉 “Africa absolutely needs to be part of a Global Executive MBA program.”
This post was published on LinkedIn on 28 January 2026.
