On April 6, we hosted 20 undergraduate students from Leeds University Business School. The week-long trip was nothing short of remarkable. From classes given by faculty to practical insights from Egyptian industry leaders, the study tour offered an enriching academic journey, complemented by unforgettable cultural experiences.

A Phenomenal Learning Experience 

During the tour, students were exposed to the different facets that make up the business landscape in Egypt. From entrepreneurship and branding to the fundamentals of the MENA region’s economy, the study tour encapsulated the key knowledge points that students need to know in order to do business in the Middle East.

This experience not only focuses on giving the students a solid theoretical understanding, but it is also deeply rooted in the context of the region; with industry-focused sessions on areas such as sports marketing and tourism, students were able to explore areas that are uniquely influential within the Egyptian market. 

“The program has been a learning experience for our international business students. It offered an amazing balance of academic insight, cultural immersion and corporate engagement, giving our students a deep understanding of the MENA region's business dynamics and global relevance,” said Andy Smith, director of student education for the International Business Department.

An Industrial Encounter 

What makes DBiME a special experience is its immersive edge, offering industry visits that are designed to demonstrate to students how key players in the Egyptian business landscape function. In this tour, students had the opportunity to visit the Domty and P&G  plants as well as meet the CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Domty, Mohamed El Damaty. Many students enjoyed the contrast between both, with each having its own unique features that made it stand out.

As Charlie Fullerton, one of the students said, “When we went to the Domty headquarters, we got to meet the CEO and that is something you wouldn’t get the opportunity to see in the UK. I was able to ask the person who is actually running the company  questions, and find out more about the business  firsthand”. 

A Cultural Dream

While the program focuses on academia and professional advancement, Egypt’s unique cultural context remains at the heart of the experience. Visits to cultural landmarks like the Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili and El Moez embellished the tour, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

“I know it’s a study tour, but the culture and exploring all the places here is something else,” said Summer Heeks, one of the students who were visiting Egypt for the first time ever. Another student, Louis Bulpitt said, “The experience was a 10 out of 10 both in terms of  fun and education - Egypt is beautiful and the hustle and bustle in Cairo is really good”. 

 

This partnership, effective June 4, 2025, focuses on distributing high-quality case studies that highlight businesses and industries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Through this collaboration, KCC’s case studies will now be accessible to educators, students and organizations worldwide via Ivey Publishing’s extensive print and digital distribution network. This strategic move not only enhances the visibility of KCC’s work but also positions it as a significant contributor to global business education.

The partnership reflects KCC’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical business insights. By showcasing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the MEA region, KCC aims to foster a deeper global understanding of this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

Candis McInnes, executive director of Ivey Publishing, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration:

“We’re proud to partner with the El Khazindar Business Research and Case Center at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business of The American University in Cairo (AUC) to bring forward case studies that reflect the dynamic nature of business across regions and highlight the unique perspectives of case writers from around the globe. This collaboration supports our commitment to case learning for the world by making globally relevant learning materials accessible to all educators and students engaging with the case method.”

Engy Magdy, director of KCC, shared her thoughts on behalf of the school:

“Partnering with the prestigious Ivey Publishing reflects KCC’s commitment to sharing the voices and stories of businesses in the MEA region. This collaboration expands the global reach of our case studies and supports our mission to advance impactful business education. We look forward to working closely with Ivey, confident that this partnership will benefit the case community in the MEA region and beyond.”

The case collections will feature case studies that address a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and sustainability, all within the context of the MEA region. By collaborating with Ivey Publishing, KCC ensures that these cases will be leveraged as educational tools, promoting experiential learning and equipping students and business leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex global challenges.

This partnership is a milestone in KCC’s mission to expand the global reach and impact of its case studies. It also reinforces KCC’s position as the leading case development center in the MEA region and a key player in advancing the use of case studies as powerful tools for learning and development.

Whether you're an educator, a business professional, or a student, this collaboration will provide you with access to diverse, high-quality case studies that offer valuable insights into the business landscape of the MEA region and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates on the launch of the co-branded collection and how it will shape the future of business education!

Held at the historic AUC Tahrir Square campus, the event brought together thought leaders, academics and professionals to explore themes of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.

A Shared Commitment to Transformation

Organized in partnership with prestigious organizations, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Inside Business Education (IBE), Times Higher Education (THE) and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), the event highlighted a shared commitment to advancing business education across Africa and beyond.

“We convened Africa Day to celebrate the continent, foster serious dialogue on its pressing challenges and develop actionable, Africa-led solutions through collaboration between business schools and industry leaders,” shared Samer Attalah, associate dean for graduate studies and research at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business.

In the same vein, Dean Sherif Kamel stressed the importance of embedding climate and sustainability into education, noting, “The issues of climate change and sustainability should be seamlessly integrated in the learning experience of our students—otherwise, they risk remaining isolated silos."

Business Schools for Climate Change Africa

Moderated by Dina Abdel Fattah, assistant professor of economics and chair of the Mohamed Shafik Gabr Department of Economics at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business, this roundtable explored how business schools can embed sustainability into curricula, advance climate-focused research and equip graduates to address Africa’s climate challenges through responsible business practices. 

Panelists emphasized the importance of tailoring climate education to reflect Africa’s unique environmental and economic realities, such as managing water scarcity, energy transitions and agricultural sustainability. Participants agreed that addressing climate change should be foundational in education strategies, with a focus on regional relevance to tackle Africa's specific environmental and economic challenges. 

Collaboration between African institutions and global partners was also emphasized as vital for amplifying impact, pooling resources and sharing knowledge. Interdisciplinary collaboration with schools of engineering, environmental science and public policy was also emphasized as critical for providing students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Challenges and Opportunities

Moderated by Benjamin Stevenin, director of business schools solutions and partnerships at Times Higher Education, this session examined the disconnect between curricula in African business schools and the evolving demands of the job market. 

With Africa’s youth population rapidly growing, panelists emphasized the urgent need for job-ready skills in digital literacy, sustainability and entrepreneurship. They highlighted the importance of university-employer partnerships, showcasing how internships and co-op programs prepare students for immediate impact in industries such as finance and technology. 

Faculty development was also highlighted as essential, focusing on equipping educators to teach emerging topics and integrate vocational training into curricula. The session concluded with a call for African business schools to adapt swiftly, anticipating future workforce needs while driving innovation and resilience.

The Role of African Business Schools in a Fast-Changing World

The keynote address by Mahmoud Mohieldin, professor of economics and finance at Cairo University and United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, brought into sharp focus the challenges and opportunities facing Africa in an era of rapid change.

Mohieldin outlined the geopolitical shifts, digital disruptions and climate challenges reshaping the global economy, highlighting the dual responsibility African business schools have in preparing students to navigate these complexities. He emphasized that Africa, as a region, must not only adapt to the risks posed by climate change but also position itself to capitalize on the economic opportunities it presents.

The address highlighted the need for African business schools to act as proactive agents of change, equipping students to think critically and act decisively in uncertain environments. He called for values-driven education, prioritizing ethical leadership alongside technical and managerial expertise.

Collaboration and innovation were key themes, with Mohieldin urging schools to work closely with governments, industries and local communities to ensure their programs address real-world challenges. He concluded with a powerful message: African business schools must redefine their role as catalysts for sustainable development, shaping leaders who drive inclusive growth and resilience across the continent.

AI in Business Education Showcase

An engaging and interactive workshop led by Lakshmi Goel, dean of the School of Business Administration at Al Akhawayn University and Benjamin Stevenin, director of business school solutions and partnerships at Times Higher Education, explored how artificial intelligence is redefining the landscape of business education and the opportunities it presents for both students and educators.

The session demonstrated how tools like ChatGPT can enhance teaching and research by supporting tasks such as grading, providing personalized feedback and designing curriculum materials. These capabilities allow educators to focus more on student engagement and mentorship. Additionally, the session highlighted AI’s role in advancing interdisciplinary research, with examples of how it can simplify data analysis and enable predictive modeling for sustainability studies and business scenarios.

Embedding AI into curricula was identified as essential to prepare students for an AI-driven future. Ethical considerations, including equitable access and maintaining human-centered values, were also discussed, emphasizing that AI should enhance, not replace, critical thinking and creativity. The session concluded with a call for strategic leadership to integrate AI across teaching, research, and student services.

Looking Ahead

Africa Day 2025 highlighted the crucial role of business education in shaping Africa’s sustainable and inclusive future. Through collaboration, innovation and curricula aligned with regional and global priorities, African institutions are uniquely positioned to equip leaders to tackle challenges such as climate change, digital disruption and economic development. The event’s discussions and partnerships laid a strong foundation for developing resilience, prosperity and long-term impact across the continent.

Watch the highlights of Africa Day 2025

View photos of the Africa Day 2025 event