The Yale School of Management (SOM) recently opened its doors to 20 senior business leaders from across Africa as part of the prestigious Global CEO Africa program. The initiative, jointly delivered by Strathmore Business School (Kenya), Lagos Business School (Nigeria), and Yale SOM, guides executives through a multi-country leadership immersion — starting in Nairobi, continuing in Lagos, and culminating in a final learning experience on the Yale campus in New Haven.
The weeklong U.S. residency provided participants with access to faculty-led seminars, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and discussions focused on the evolving landscape of leadership, innovation, and enterprise strategy in African markets. Executives also engaged with Yale students, fostering dialogue around global competitiveness and Africa’s expanding role in international business.
A major highlight of the visit was the Global CEO Africa Conference, held on October 7th, serving as the capstone event of the program. The conference offered a rare opportunity for Yale’s broader community to interact directly with top African corporate leaders. The panel session featured prominent executives including:
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Peter Njenga, CEO, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)
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Emmanuel Wakili, Executive Director & Regional CFO/COO, Ecobank
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Hellen Mathuka, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Kenya Airways
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Dr. Raibu Olowo, CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria
The leaders exchanged practical insights on steering organizations in emerging economies, tackling sector-specific challenges, and exploring how the African diaspora can support long-term economic and social development on the continent. Their perspectives encouraged students and attendees to rethink Africa’s strategic potential and the role global partnerships can play in unlocking growth.
After the panel, the group engaged in an intensive networking forum, allowing executives and Yale students to build relationships, share experiences, and explore avenues for collaboration. Participants also connected with members of the Yale Global Executive Leadership Program, creating a broader network of international professionals and enriching cross-cultural engagement across programs.
The Global CEO Africa initiative, held annually, strengthens the longstanding collaboration between Yale SOM and top African business schools. It also deepens ties within the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) — a consortium of leading business institutions dedicated to fostering global learning. Yale’s involvement underscores its commitment to preparing leaders who can navigate complex global markets with insight, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for worldwide economic interconnectivity.
