In a rapidly evolving African business education landscape, the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) plays a critical role in shaping quality, relevance, and impact tailored for the continent’s unique needs. At the forefront of this transformative effort is Lana Elramly, Executive Director at the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) . With a rich background in higher education, accreditation, and quality enhancement across Africa and the Middle East, Lana has been instrumental in developing the AABS Accreditation system—an innovative framework that champions African values and aspirations in business education. As Ethiopia prepares to host the highly anticipated AABS Connect Conference in 2026, Lana shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing African business schools, the significance of collaboration between public and private sectors, and her vision for elevating Ethiopian institutions and the continent’s business education ecosystem to global prominence. Excerpts;
Capital: Ethiopia is set to host the AABS Connect Conference in 2026. What does this signify for Ethiopia’s expanding role in African trade and education?
Lana: Hosting the AABS Connect Conference in 2026 highlights Ethiopia’s increasing influence in shaping Africa’s trade, education, and innovation agendas. It reflects a growing acknowledgment of Ethiopia’s potential as a center for knowledge exchange and collaboration across the continent.
We believe that African solutions will emerge from African classrooms, and Ethiopia is crucial to that vision. The Connect Conference is a significant step toward fostering connections between institutions, ideas, and industries across Africa. It also celebrates our shared goal of creating a thriving, self-defined African business education ecosystem that ensures no country is left behind.
Capital: AABS accreditation is a first for African business schools. What were the biggest challenges in developing this system, and how does it specifically address African contexts?
Lana: The AABS Accreditation represents a transformative approach to quality assurance, rooted in African values, realities, and aspirations. Our primary challenge was to move away from inherited global models that often neglect the African context, and instead, create a system that establishes excellence on our own terms.
This required us to rethink the notion of relevance—not just focusing on quality for its own sake, but on quality that promotes inclusive growth, local impact, and responsible leadership. The outcome is a framework that values contextualized education, celebrates African diversity, and sets a globally recognized standard tailored for our continent’s future.
It’s more than just accreditation; it’s a movement towards continuous improvement, shared learning, and pride in African business education.
Capital: In your opinion, what key improvements are making Ethiopia an attractive destination for AABS?
Lana: My recent visit to Addis Ababa was truly inspiring. I witnessed impressive developments in the city, particularly in infrastructure, hospitality, and academic collaboration, which position Ethiopia as a natural host for a continental event like the AABS Connect Conference.
Ethiopia is making significant progress that aligns with AABS’s vision for African-led business education. There has been a clear investment in higher education reform, with institutions increasingly emphasizing relevance, entrepreneurship, and regional integration. For instance, colleges are expanding their business and management programs, incorporating more practical learning experiences, and pursuing regional partnerships, all of which reflect a strong commitment to engaging with Africa’s evolving knowledge economy.
Addis Ababa’s emergence as a diplomatic and intellectual hub, bolstered by improving infrastructure and digital connectivity, further supports this case. Most importantly, it’s the country’s youthful energy and untapped potential that position it as a natural partner for AABS. Ethiopia is not just advancing; it is preparing to lead, and we are here to help amplify that trajectory.
Capital: With your accreditation experience in Africa and the Middle East, what challenges and opportunities do business schools in Ethiopia face compared to other regions?
Lana: Although AABS accreditation is specifically for business schools in Africa, our broader experience helps us recognize common trends across regions. In Ethiopia, business schools encounter challenges that are prevalent throughout the continent, such as limited access to resources, a need for stronger industry connections, and the necessity for capacity building in research and faculty development. In contrast to more established ecosystems in West or Southern Africa, Ethiopian institutions are still working on enhancing their visibility and international networks.
However, this presents a significant opportunity. Ethiopia boasts a dynamic, youthful population, an increasing interest in entrepreneurship, and a national commitment to education reform—key ingredients for innovation. Ethiopian schools are not constrained by legacy systems; they have the opportunity to develop new models that are both locally relevant and globally applicable.
At AABS, we view this as a pivotal moment. With the right support and partnerships, Ethiopia can emerge as a key player in shaping the future of African business education.
Capital: The conference is a collaborative effort between Kibur College and various government departments. What is the significance of this public-private partnership in promoting business education in Ethiopia?
Lana: Public-private partnerships are crucial for transforming business education in Africa. One of AABS’s core values is collaboration, and this conference exemplifies that principle in action. By uniting Kibur College, government institutions, and industry leaders, we are illustrating that advancing business education requires a collective effort, not the responsibility of a single sector. When academia and government collaborate with a shared mission, we unlock the potential to align talent development with national priorities and actual economic needs.
In Addis Ababa, we have engaged with a broad array of stakeholders, including the African Union, the Ministry of Education, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Ethiopian Private Higher Education Institutions, among others. This extensive engagement underscores the belief that education, particularly business education, must be closely tied to the country’s economic and policy realities.
In Ethiopia, this collaboration emphasizes the vital role business education plays in fostering sustainable growth and innovation. It sets a strong example for other African nations, demonstrating that progress thrives when sectors unite toward common goals.
Capital: How will AABS ensure that the 2026 summit leaves a lasting positive impact on Ethiopian business and education, rather than being a one-off event?
Lana: The 2026 AABS Connect Conference is the first of its kind in Addis Ababa and is not merely a standalone event; it is part of a larger ecosystem we have developed to enhance quality business education through networking, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
While the conference itself marks a significant milestone, its true impact will stem from ongoing collaboration. We are dedicated to supporting Ethiopian institutions in sustaining the momentum generated by the conference, promoting enduring partnerships, faculty development, and research initiatives.
AABS organizes two flagship annual events: the AABS Connect Conference, which Ethiopia will host in 2026, and the Deans and Directors Forum, scheduled for November 2025. The Connect Conference emphasizes cross-sector dialogue, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, while the Deans and Directors Forum gathers top leadership from African business schools to discuss governance, quality assurance, strategic partnerships, and the future of education.
Our goal is to create lasting connections and opportunities, ensuring that Ethiopia’s role in the regional education ecosystem continues to grow and evolve long after the conference ends. We believe that sustainability and long-term impact are central to our mission.
Capital: In your view, what is the role of African business schools in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation? What challenges do they face?
Lana: African business schools play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by developing curricula that address global best practices and the unique challenges of the African market. By empowering students to solve real-world problems, these schools enable the next generation of leaders to drive sustainable economic growth.
However, challenges such as limited resources, insufficient industry connections, and a shortage of experienced faculty remain. Despite these obstacles, there is significant potential. Strengthening partnerships with local industries and embracing digital innovation can position African business schools at the forefront of entrepreneurship on the continent.
Capital: Addis Ababa was chosen as the host city due to its “growing reputation as a hub for conferences and cultural tourism.” How can events like the AABS Summit enhance this reputation and contribute to the Ethiopian economy?
Lana: The AABS Connect Conference is more than just a gathering; it’s about connecting institutions, countries, and regions. By hosting this event in Addis Ababa, we are creating a platform for African business schools to forge partnerships with one another, as well as with our affiliates and partners beyond Africa. This exchange not only highlights Ethiopia but also promotes the broader African continent.
Through this interconnectedness, we can foster collaboration among institutions, creating lasting networks for knowledge sharing, research, and innovation. This will strengthen Ethiopia’s emerging reputation as a hub for intellectual exchange and cultural tourism, while also contributing to local economies by stimulating tourism and cultivating long-term relationships across industries.
Capital: AABS accreditation is said to “bring African business schools to the forefront of management education.” What key metrics or outcomes does AABS use to measure this success?
Lana: At AABS, we evaluate success not only by the academic and operational standards upheld by business schools but also by their tangible impact on their communities and the global business environment.
The key metrics we consider are based on both quality and impact, ensuring that schools deliver education that meets global standards while promoting inclusive growth in Africa.
We assess the relevance of each school’s mission and programs, examining how effectively they address Africa’s unique socio-economic and political challenges. Core indicators of success include faculty development, research output, and the overall student experience. Additionally, we evaluate how schools engage with their stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners—to ensure sustainable impacts at both local and regional levels.
Ultimately, success means that African business schools not only meet international standards but also shape the future of business education with local relevance that supports Africa’s economic and social development. Through continuous improvement, AABS helps these schools adapt to the evolving needs of the continent and the global business landscape.
Capital: AABS states that business education works to improve “quality, relevance, and impact.” What are the major challenges in ensuring this relevance in a rapidly changing global business landscape?
Lana: In today’s fast-evolving landscape, maintaining relevance in business education requires ongoing adaptation. A key challenge is keeping curricula aligned with advancements in technology, digital transformation, and global sustainability.
African business schools must balance global trends with local realities, ensuring their education is internationally competitive while addressing Africa’s distinct challenges. This necessitates regular updates to programs, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and connecting education with emerging industries.
Additionally, schools need stronger ties with industry to ensure graduates are not only qualified but also employable. AABS supports schools in navigating these challenges by promoting continuous improvement and helping them adapt to the ever-changing business environment.
Capital: What unique challenges might Kibur College face as a host institution for such a large event? How is AABS assisting them?
Lana: This conference is being organized in partnership with our member institution in Ethiopia, Kibur College. Preparations are progressing smoothly so far, and we have not encountered any major challenges. However, based on our two decades of experience, we know that the success of a high-level conference relies on strong collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders.
We are calling on all partners—government offices, the business community, academia, and non-governmental organizations—to work together toward a shared goal: hosting a successful and impactful event that showcases the best of Ethiopia.
While hosting a continental conference involves complex tasks like logistics, infrastructure readiness, media engagement, and cross-sector coordination, we are encouraged by the progress and support on the ground. AABS ensures that the process remains collaborative and seamless. Our conferences are designed to strengthen our partnership with the host institution. We work closely with Kibur College’s team for months leading up to the event, ensuring every aspect of the planning is done in conjunction with them. Our teams collaborate at every step—from logistics to content—ensuring the conference is not just a successful event but also a valuable experience for both the institution and its wider community.
Capital: What is your final vision for the impact on the relationship between Ethiopian businesses and higher education institutions?
Lana: I envision a transformative partnership between Ethiopian businesses and higher education institutions that positions the country at the forefront of Africa’s economic and educational development. As these institutions evolve, they will supply businesses with a steady stream of innovative leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s challenges.
I foresee a future where seamless collaboration between academia and industry fosters entrepreneurial excellence, allowing both sectors to continuously influence and enhance one another. This synergy will create an ecosystem that promotes sustainable growth, social progress, and strengthens Ethiopia’s global competitiveness.
