Executive MBA
The Executive MBA for doing business in africa
The ALU School of Business Executive MBA is designed for leaders operating at the forefront of Africa’s growth.
Over 20 months, you will strengthen the judgment, perspective, and capability required to lead organizations, navigate complexity, and drive meaningful outcomes. The program combines rigorous academic study with applied leadership practice, allowing you to engage directly with the challenges shaping business across the continent.
You join a network of executives, founders, and decision-makers committed to building institutions, scaling ventures, and shaping Africa’s economic future.
Download the ALU School of Business Executive MBA Brochure
Explore the curriculum, structure, and leadership outcomes designed for experienced professionals building at scale across Africa.
Why get an Executive MBA at ALU School of Business?
Programme
Overview
Designed for experienced professionals leading across Africa’s private, public, and entrepreneurial sectors.
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Duration:
20 months -
Format:
Part-time, blended -
Intensives:
Five week-long in-person sessions in Kigali, Nairobi, and Mauritius (locations subject to change) -
Online Learning:
Structured, faculty-led virtual sessions between intensives -
Cohort:
Senior managers, founders, and decision-makers from 25+ countries -
Leadership Development:
25% of the curriculum
Curriculum
Focus
Participants remain fully employed throughout the programme, applying new frameworks directly within their organisations.
Strategy and Competitive Advantage
Learn how to analyse industries, position effectively, and build sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic markets.
Finance and Capital Allocation
Develop the financial fluency to interpret performance, evaluate investments, and allocate capital for long-term growth.
Business Analytics
Turn data into insight and insight into action through practical analytical tools and evidence-based decision-making.
Doing Business in Africa
Understand the economic, regulatory, and cultural realities shaping African markets and how to navigate them strategically.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Explore how to identify opportunity, test ideas, and scale ventures within startups and established organisations.
Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
Strengthen your ability to lead teams, shape culture, and build high-performing, accountable organisations.
Learning
Model
This Executive MBA is structured for leaders preparing for greater organisational responsibility, board-level influence, and cross-market expansion.
African-focused case studies and market analysis
Real-world projects addressing live organisational challenges
Faculty drawn from leading African institutions and industry
Executive-level peer learning within a diverse Pan-African cohort
Academics
The Executive MBA curriculum is delivered across five semesters and integrates core business disciplines, Africa-focused market analysis, leadership development, and applied capstone work.
Participants complete a structured sequence of courses designed to strengthen analytical, financial, and strategic decision-making:
- Financial Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Economics for Managers
- Business Analytics
- Marketing
- Business Strategy
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Communication and Negotiation
- Doing Business in Africa
Together, these modules develop the technical fluency and strategic judgment required at senior levels of leadership.
Leadership development accounts for 25% of the curriculum and is embedded throughout the programme.
It includes:
- Leadership Lab – Structured reflection, facilitated feedback, and applied leadership practice
- A staged leadership framework integrated across semesters
- Peer evaluation and executive coaching
The emphasis is on decision-making, organizational influence, and leadership effectiveness across diverse markets.
Application is central to the programme.
Participants complete:
- Company-based assignments
- Market-focused analytical projects
- A two-part Capstone Project
The Capstone requires participants to address a live strategic or operational challenge, often within their own organization, integrating financial, strategic, and leadership frameworks from across the curriculum.
In later semesters, participants may concentrate their work within specific sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Agribusiness
- Conservation
- Data Science and AI for Business
This allows for deeper engagement with industry-specific leadership challenges.
Tuition & Payment Options
Total Tuition
USD 15,000
Full 20 month fee
Payment Options
USD 15,000
One Upfront Payment
Receive a 10% discount on the total tuition fee.
USD 7,500
Two Annual Payments
Receive a 5% discount on the total tuition fee.
USD 3,000
Five Termly Payments
USD 1,000
Three monthly installments each term
Subject to a $25 fee for each term during which a monthly installment plan is selected.
Proof of Funding (Submit One or More)
- Bank statement for the past six months.
- Sponsorship letter (e.g. company, family member).
- Scholarship or loan documentation.
- If you have not yet obtained a scholarship, please add a funding plan including your scholarship application details.
- Funding plan: detail how you plan to source funding (personal savings, family contributions, scholarship loans, employer sponsorship including amounts).
Additional Costs
- For each intensive, the estimated living cost for a 10-day period ranges between $3,500 and $5,000 (including flights and accommodation), depending on the student’s lifestyle.
Faculty
The Executive MBA is taught by leading faculty and industry practitioners with experience across African markets and global institutions.
Guest speakers include founders, operators, policymakers, and senior executives shaping Africa’s economic landscape.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Oliver Seale
Faculty, Leadership Lab
Dr. Omowale Crenshaw
Faculty, Doing Business in Africa
Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim
Faculty, Data Science & AI
Student
Testimonials
Leaders from across Africa reflect on their experience in the ALU School of Business Executive MBA.
Career
Impact
Graduates work across banking, development finance, technology, agribusiness, conservation, and public leadership.
average salary increase post-graduation
changed job titles or roles within 24 months
launched ventures within 24 months
Admissions
The Executive MBA is designed for experienced professionals with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
Typical profile
- 7–15+ years of professional experience
- Management or strategic responsibility
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification
Application requirements
- Completed online application
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement
- Interview
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Next Intake:
May 2026
faqs
Applying to a world-class Executive MBA should be clear, structured, and transparent. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the ALU School of Business Executive MBA application process, from requirements and timelines to programme structure and costs.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications are currently open for the September intake.
- Deadline: July 1
- Programme start: September 6
What documents do I need to submit?
You will need to provide:
- Academic qualifications, a valid identification document, and proof of funds or financing plan. If documents are not in English, a translated version is required.
What does the application journey look like?
The process is divided into five stages:
- About You
- Educational Background
- Professional Experience
- Motivation & Aspirations
- Financial Plan
Where do I start my application?
Apply online via the ALUSB application portal.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
- A Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of postgraduate professional experience
Is there an application fee?
No. ALUSB does not charge an application fee and does not work with agents requesting payment.
How is my application evaluated?
Applications are reviewed holistically, focusing on leadership potential, analytical ability, and professional growth.
When will I receive a decision?
Admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis. You can expect a response within approximately two weeks.
What are the possible admission outcomes?
- Admitted — Full acceptance
- Conditionally Admitted — Pending additional requirements
- Waitlisted — Considered in future rounds
- Rejected — Not eligible for the intake
What happens once I am admitted?
You will receive:
- An admission email
- Access to the Admissions Portal
- Next steps to complete enrollment
Is the application online only?
Yes, the entire process is conducted online.
Does my background affect my chances?
ALUSB values diverse academic and professional backgrounds and does not prioritise institutional prestige.
Are there age restrictions?
There are no strict age limits. However, younger applicants must demonstrate stronger professional experience.
Do I need work experience?
Yes.
- Minimum: 3 years full-time (post-graduation)
- Average: ~5 years
What counts as work experience?
Full-time roles (35+ hours/week) where you have developed professional and leadership skills.
What if I have a non-traditional career path?
That is welcome. Strong, unique career journeys are valued.
Can I apply without a bachelor’s degree?
No. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission.
How are classes taught?
The program uses a blended learning format:
- In-person sessions
- Online learning
Are there required modules?
Yes. The program includes both required and elective modules.
What are the academic entry requirements?
- Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent)
- International degrees may require equivalency certification
What is the tuition fee?
- Total tuition: $15,000
- Duration: 20 months
What additional costs should I expect?
Accommodation, flights, visas, and personal expenses during intensives.
Is financial aid available?
No formal financial aid is currently offered. Flexible payment plans are available instead.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Options include full upfront (10% discount), annual (5% discount), term-based, or monthly (small fee).
What is the learning experience like?
African-focused case studies, continent-wide faculty, and 25% of the curriculum dedicated to leadership development.
What is the time commitment?
Approximately 20 hours per week.
Is the program part-time?
Yes
- 20-month duration
- Hybrid format (online + in-person)
What are intensives?
In-person sessions at the start of each term (~10 days), led by African and global business leaders.
Are intensives mandatory?
Yes, attendance is required.
Where do intensives take place?
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Mauritius
How much do intensives cost?
Estimated annual cost: $3,500–$5,000 (including flights and accommodation)
Does ALUSB provide accommodation?
No. Students arrange their own housing, with support provided for options.
Register your interest in the Executive MBA
Take the next step toward expanding your leadership and professional reach.
Questions about the Executive MBA?
Our admissions team is happy to help.