The North-West University (NWU) Business School recently received its accreditation from the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). The NWU Business School was represented at the 2023 AABS Connect Conference, hosted by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra, by the senior manager for Accreditation and Quality, Dr Lungile Ntsizwane.

The conference kicked off on Wednesday, 17 May with a tour of Accra. This was followed by the AABS members’ annual general meeting, at which the AABS committee addressed members on the association's current state of affairs.

With delegates from over 30 business schools around the world in attendance, this year's conference theme was: "Are Business Schools Relevant in Africa". The goal was to start discussions and share insights on how African business schools recognise the need for business education to be relevant and responsive to Africa's unique challenges and opportunities. Another goal was to explore the role of business schools in driving economic development, fostering entrepreneurship and addressing societal challenges.

The esteemed speakers and panellists also shared their experiences and insights on how business schools can equip future business leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-changing environment.

Out of the 84 member schools, the NWU Business School and two other business schools were awarded accreditation during the gala dinner, which was hosted by GIMPA’s rector at his residence on Thursday, 18 May. A total of five business schools are currently accredited by the AABS. The conference ended on a high note with some recommendations for the AABS to pursue and possible opportunities for African business schools to work together to solve the challenges on the African continent.

About the AABS

An idea developed by forward-thinking individuals of an organisation that would support African business schools became a reality when the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) was formally established in October 2005. This support would be provided through capacity building, collaboration and quality improvement programmes for deans, directors and faculty members. The association was registered as a non-profit organisation in September 2007.

The AABS has evolved over the years, and in 2018 it started on a historic journey with the launch of AABS accreditation, the first-ever African accreditation for African business schools. This accreditation is based on values relative to the African continent and promises to bring African business schools to the forefront of management education.

Dr Lungile Ntsizwane received the accreditation award on behalf of the NWU Business School.