Design an effective strategy to drive growth in Africa's dynamic markets both locally and internationally.

  • Dates

    May 25 – Aug 22, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    Blended

  • Location

    Africa; Virtual; and HBS Campus, Boston, US

  • Fee

    $28,000

  • Application Due

    Apr 25, 2025

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

African countries face a distinct set of social, economic, and political conditions that create unique business challenges—and exciting opportunities. Businesses across the continent need exceptional, confident leaders who know what it takes to do business in today's world.

The Senior Executive Program Africa (in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) - University of Pretoria in South Africa) explores business challenges most relevant to leaders in African markets. Through the real-life experiences of executives from the region and around the world, you’ll leave illuminated with best practices in management and leadership.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Design an effective strategy for business growth in an African context

  • Differentiate your offerings and deliver more value to customers

  • Implement changes that align your organization for optimal growth strategy execution

  • Improve your organization's ability to innovate, including creating new digital processes and offerings

  • Build a sustainable, accountable organization with greater transparency and stronger governance

  • Lead effectively and help your organization achieve ambitious goals

  • 3
    modules
  • 6
    days on the HBS campus
  • 6
    days of in-person learning in region
  • 12
    weeks of part-time self-paced learning

Participants should set aside 30–35 hours on self-paced case preparation before the start of Module 1.

Participants will receive a detailed schedule and case materials approximately two weeks before the program starts.

Module Details

Module 1May 25 – 30, 2025Full-TimeAfrica
Module 2Jun 2 – Aug 15, 2025Part-TimeVirtual, Self-Paced
Module 3Aug 17 – 22, 2025Full-TimeHBS Campus, Boston, US

Experienced senior executives such as:

  • CEOs, CFOs, business line heads, or other senior members of a company's executive team

  • Directors General of government agencies

Ideal participants come from growth-oriented African organizations such as:

  • Established private or state-owned companies

  • Local, multinational, or pan-African businesses

  • Growing family businesses

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Government agencies, especially those working closely with the private sector

Top Countries Represented

diverse group of executives enjoying the lecture
37%
South Africa
18%
Nigeria
8%
Kenya
7%
Botswana
3%
Ghana
3%
Rwanda

Top Industries Represented

  • 32%

    Financial

  • 7%

    Consumer Products

  • 7%

    Manufacturing

  • 7%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 7%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 5%

    High Technology

  • 5%

    Professional Services

  • 5%

    Utilities/Telecommunications

  • 4%

    Education

  • 3%

    Transportation

Experience

Years Worked

  • 4%

    Less than 10 years

  • 16%

    10-14 years

  • 33%

    15-19 years

  • 23%

    20-24 years

  • 20%

    25-29 years

  • 3%

    30-34 years

  • 1%

    35-39 years

Companies That Have Participated

  • Bank of Kigali
  • Barclays
  • De Beers
  • IHIS Tower
  • KCB Bank
  • KPMG
  • Magalies Water
  • Mastercard Incorporated
  • Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency
  • Vodacom

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

The teaching team for this collaborative program is drawn from the faculties of HBS and the Gordon Institute of Business Science University of Pretoria.

Faculty Cochairs

  • Headshot of Ramon Casadesus-Masanell

    Ramon Casadesus-Masanell

    Herman C. Krannert Professor of Business Administration Unit Head, Strategy

  • Headshot of Morris Mthombeni

    Morris Mthombeni

    Gordon Institute of Business Science University of Pretoria: Dean and Professor of Strategy & Governance

This is a blended program that alternates in-person and virtual elements. Our regional programs feature modules in relevant major cities around the world in addition to modules at our storied campus at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

Every detail of our HBS campus is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Partial Scholarship Opportunities

A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. Please include a request for funding in your application.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.