The future of African business education and economic transformation took center stage as the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) 2026 Connect Conference was held in Addis Ababa from May 13 to 15 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Africa Hall. It was the first time Ethiopia hosted the continental gathering, with Kibur College serving as host institution.
Held under the theme “African Values, Global Futures: The Role of Business Schools in Driving a Transforming Continent,” the three-day conference brought together more than 150 higher education leaders, business school deans, policymakers, researchers, executives and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Participants discussed how business schools can help shape Africa’s development agenda through stronger teaching, research and industry links.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from senior Ethiopian education and business officials, who stressed the need to align business education with labor market demands and economic priorities. Eba Mijena (PhD), director general for higher education academic affairs at the Ministry of Education, said the government remains committed to strengthening higher education institutions and modernizing business education.
Kenenisa Lemi (PhD), secretary general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure graduates acquire practical skills relevant to changing labor markets. AABS Executive Director Lana Elramly said African business schools must work together to produce ethical, innovative and globally competitive graduates.
In his welcome address, Kibur College Dean Desalegn Mekuria said hosting the conference in Ethiopia was a source of pride and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality and practical business education. AABS Board Chairman Maurice Radebe highlighted the association’s role in promoting standards, partnerships and excellence in management education across the continent.
More than 25 speakers and panelists participated in sessions covering youth skills, digital transformation, accreditation, research impact, artificial intelligence, ethics, innovation and the future of work. Discussions focused on how African business schools can better integrate AI, entrepreneurship, sustainability and experiential learning while remaining rooted in African values and local relevance.
Delegates also visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, where they learned about the country’s progress in AI research and technology-driven innovation. The programme further included tours of museums, cultural landmarks and major urban development sites in Addis Ababa, giving participants a broader view of Ethiopia’s history, heritage and modernization efforts.
The conference concluded with calls for stronger continental cooperation, quality assurance, digital transformation and more inclusive education systems to prepare Africa’s youth for future opportunities. It also reinforced Ethiopia’s growing role in continental academic and innovation dialogue.
