A Model of Management Education in Africa

Despite abundant natural resources, Africa faces a bleak economic future, owing in large part to its inability to train capable managers. In this article I present a dynamic model of management education in Africa, based on extensive field research. Among the many variables comprised in the model, those of greatest relevance to aid-giving countries are the pre-university educational system, the strong Western influence in management curricula and teaching methods, the lack of facilities for providing practical experience, and the relationship between governments and universities. Knowledge of weaknesses in the system and of differences between the needs of African and Western management should make it possible to develop more effective management education programs in Africa.