AABS 2025 Connect Conference and 20th Anniversary Celebration
Overview
This year’s AABS 2025 Connect Conference & 20th Anniversary Celebration commemorates Africa’s transformative role in shaping the future of global business education. Under the theme "From Africa to the World: Showcasing African Excellence", we unpack the relevance of African excellence for the world by highlighting the profound influence of African-based innovation, the enduring legacy of success within the African institutions, and the pivotal contributions of the African business schools to the global community. Key areas of focus will include:
Knowledge Transfer and Innovation: African Solutions for a Changing World
Celebrating Africa as a hub of transformative ideas, this session will explore how African business schools are fostering innovation to address both local and global challenges. As the global landscape evolves, discussions will focus on how these institutions are adapting to remain competitive, relevant, and impactful.
A Legacy of Success
Reflecting on two decades of AABS, the conference honor the remarkable achievements of African business schools, alumni, and leaders who have shaped industries, influenced policy, and driven economic growth across the continent and beyond.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
The conference will examine the tangible influence of African business education on society, including its role in cultivating ethical leadership, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, and driving sustainable development.
Research as a Catalyst for Global Impact
Highlighting the critical role of research in shaping policies and practices, the conference will explore how African business schools are driving evidence-based decision-making, generating original knowledge, and contributing to global discussions on key business, social, and environmental challenges.
Through this theme, the AABS Connect Conference invites participants to celebrate the rich tapestry of African excellence, collaborate on bold initiatives, and envision a future where the contributions of African business schools continue to inspire and drive global progress.
Host
Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Logistics
Accommodation
The AABS team has secured preferential hotel rates. Each delegate is responsible for making their own hotel reservation. Please note that special room blocks are based on availability at discounted rates until March 1st, 2025.
The recommended AABS 2025 Connect Conference & 20th Anniversary Celebration hotels are:
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
- Guest Room (Bed & Breakfast): $170 per night
- To book your room at the AABS discounted rate, please use the following link:
- Please note that these special rates are available for a limited time and are subject to availability, with the final booking deadline set for April 1, 2025.
The President Hotel Zamalek
- Single Room (Bed & Breakfast): $100 per night
- Double Room (Bed & Breakfast): $120 per night
- To book your room at the AABS discounted rate, please follow these steps:
- 1️⃣ Send an email to bookings@thepresidentcairo.com.
- 2️⃣ Use "AABSCC25" in the subject line.
- 3️⃣ Need a double room? Request it in your email.
- Please note that these special rates are available for a limited time and are subject to availability, with the final booking deadline set for May 14, 2025.
Visa Information
- North American and European citizens, (excluding Canadians) Australians can get a tourist visa upon their arrival at Cairo International Airport valid for one month for $25. Yet it is advisable to apply for an entry visa from your home country.
- You must have a valid passport for six months beyond your arrival date. If not, then you need to renew your passport at least three months before your departure date to avoid any unforeseen delays.
- Citizens from the following countries have to obtain a visa prior to their arrival: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.
- Before coming to Egypt, it is important to check with the Egyptian consulate or embassy in your country about changing visa regulations.
Speakers
Olayinka David-West
Professor Olayinka David-West is a distinguished academic and thought leader in business management and technology, serving as Associate Dean at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University and a board member of the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). With decades of experience in IT and financial services, she is a passionate advocate for digital transformation and financial inclusion. She leads the Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Financial Services (SIDFS) initiative, driving financial inclusion in Nigeria and fostering collaborations between businesses, startups, and policymakers. Her work has earned international recognition, and she is frequently sought after as a speaker and consultant. Professor David-West holds multiple certifications in governance and technology and is dedicated to mentoring young women in STEM, solidifying her as a leading voice in Africa's fintech industry.
Jonathan Foster-Pedley
Jon is Dean and Director of Henley Business School in Africa, part of the Henley Business School UK, a leading global business school with campuses in Europe, Asia and Africa. With Henley Africa being the first school to be accredited by The Association of Africa Business schools (AABS), Henley now holds international quadruple accreditation, AABS, AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. Henley’s purpose is ‘We build the people who build the businesses that build Africa.’
Jon’s career includes roles as educator, dean, corporate executive, airline pilot, aerobatic competitor, writer and speaker. He has 45 years of international working experience. He has been a professor of innovation, MBA director, director of executive education, designer and director of numerous executive education programmes and lecturer in strategy, innovation and executive learning. His interests are economic and educational transformation, sustainability and business evolution.
Henley Africa has been an entrepreneurial success, with a strong reputation for progressive learning design and care for students and clients.
Jon is chairman of the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, chairman of the Association of Africa Business Schools, board member of the Alliance of Management Development Associations in Rising Economies, and former vice-chair of the South African Business Schools Association. He is chair and founder of MBAid, an NPO that seeks to turn the energies of business schools to social good, which has worked with over 350 NGOs. Jon is also a Distinguished Professor at Woxsen University, India and a life Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.
Samer Atallah
Barry van Zyl
Barry van Zyl is a world-renowned musician with over 30 years experience in thecreative sector, from performance and production to executive education,strategy and business development. Having toured the world for 21 years withSouth Africa’s most famous export, Johnny Clegg, and while working with artistslike Annie Lennox, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel and Die Antwoord, Barrycompleted an MBA at Henley Business School and is now focused on the businessof music, creativity, and culture. Since 2018 Barry has been growing newbusiness for Henley Business School, starting in Nigeria and then in otherareas of west and east Africa, with the aim of ‘building the people, that buildthe businesses that build Africa’. As the Chair of Henley’s pan-African Alumnicommunity, Barry is leveraging Henley’s network of 80,000 alumni to build thebrand in new territories, develop the offer in existing markets, and createinnovative new revenue streams. Barry is partnering with premium organizationslike the Temple Management & Ogidi Studios group, and developing excitingprojects focused on creativity, content production, the future of music andeducation. In addition to this work, Barry embraces his passion for themarriage of the creative sector and executive leadership by designing anddelivering corporate leadership programs in creativity and innovation,entrepreneurship, and the business of rhythm. His clients include major SouthAfrican companies in financial and professional services, energy, travel andeducation. Despite his immense success in the creative industry, Barry’s mostimportant job is being a role model to his teenage daughter.
Prof Maurice Radebe
Agenda
Saturday
8h00 to 16h30
Pre-Connect Conference Networking Activities around Cairo
Including touristic activities, details to be posted soon
Sunday
HOSTED BY Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo
8h00
Transfer from conference hotels to the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo
9h00 – 9h15
Registrations and Refreshments
9h20 – 9h45
Opening Remarks
9h25 – 9h45
Welcome Note
9h45 – 10h30
Keynote Address
10h30 – 11h30
Panel Session
11h30 – 12h00
Networking Break
12h00 – 12h45
Session 1
12h45 – 13h30
Session 2
13h30 – 13h45
Group Picture
13h45 – 14h30
Lunch
14h30 – 15h30
Session 3
15h30 – 16h00
Session 4
16h00 – 16h15
Overview of First Day
16h30
Transfer from the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo back to the conference hotels.
17h30
Free evening for participants
Monday
HOSTED BY Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo
8h00
Transfer from conference hotels to the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo
9h00 – 9h15
Registrations and Refreshments
9h20 – 10h00
TBD
10h00 – 11h00
Session 5
11h00 – 11h15
Networking Break
11h15 – 11h45
The Way Forward: Key Takeaways
11h45– 12h10
Farewell Note
12h10 – 12h15
Closing Remarks
12h15 – 13h00
Networking Lunch
13h15
Transfer for Non AABS Members from the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo back to the conference hotels
13h15 – 15h30
AABS Annual General Meeting (Closed for AABS member schools only)
15h30
Transfer for AABS Members from the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo back to the conference hotels
18h30
Transfer from conference hotels to Networking Dinner
21h30 – 22h00
Transfer from the Networking Dinner back to the conference hotels
Tuesday
9h00 – 16h00
AABS Day: 20th Anniversary Celebration
Including touristic activities, details to be posted soon
Registration Prices
Registration Prices:
Regular Prices from Tuesday, April 15th, 2025:
*All Prices Excluding PayPal fees
The EGP payment option for local schools covers attendance for the AABS 2025 Connect Conference on May 25–26, 2025, along with the conference networking dinner. This payment does not include the additional activities scheduled for May 24 and 27, such as the Pyramid Tour and the AABS Day: 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Participants who wish to join these activities must make a separate payment in USD. To gain full access to all four days of the event, including the tour and museum visit, payment must be made in USD, in line with the standard registration process.
Sponsors
How to become a sponsor
At AABS, we offer flexible sponsorship options designed to meet various goals and budgets. Sponsors can choose from three tiers, each providing a range of benefits to maximize visibility and engagement with our network. Additionally, we offer over 20+ add-ons to further tailor your sponsorship experience, allowing for customized branding opportunities, speaking slots, and enhanced networking access to ensure your brand stands out and achieves its objectives.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact us at communication@aabschools.com
Using Case Studies: Bringing the Real World into Your Classroom
Join this expert-led workshop by The Case Centre, where Dr. Scott Andrews will demonstrate how to bring the real world into the classroom through engaging case teaching methods. Participants will experience a case teaching session as students, gaining insights into maximizing engagement and discussion.
Through live feedback and best practices, Dr. Andrews will illustrate how a well-crafted case study can achieve predetermined learning objectives and enhance the student-teacher experience. Whether you're new to case teaching or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers practical techniques to make your classes more dynamic and impactful.
Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: TBA
Fees: 50$
Register now: https://aabschools.typeform.com/casecentre
Facilitated by:
Dr Scott Andrews
Head of Worcester Business School, Principal Lecturer in Leadership and Business and Course Leader for the Executive Education Programme University of Worcester Business School, UK