Three years ago, Pedro Nueno, the co-founder and board chairman of China European International Business School (Ceibs) in Shanghai, had a vision for an executive MBA programme in Africa – the Ceibs Africa Programme.

Chinese companies were establishing themselves in Africa and there was a need for management education in the continent he says. Now, with many African countries celebrating 50 years of independence, that need is even more pronounced.

As the only EMBA programme from China to have a branch in Africa, Ceibs is very assured of its role. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, professor of marketing and innovation management and executive director of the Africa programme, says; “Our programme [has] coincided very nicely with the Chinese foreign policy to help Africa and develop African businesses. We want to train the managers here, support the Chinese companies going to Africa and create inter-linkages that will allow us to build very strong bridges.”