ALUSB’s MBA Class of 2018 arrived in Kigali for the last stage of their MBA journey: programme wrap-up and graduation. What did they experience that final week? Here are some highlights of the week:
SUNDAY 1 JULY
The week opened with an evening reception at 1000 Hills Distillery, which offers one of the most beautiful views over Kigali. Students and staff greeted each other, and caught up in person. They were officially welcomed back by Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce.
MONDAY 2 JULY
The Class of 2018 kicked off their first full day of the week with opening remarks from the Chief Learning Officer (CLO), Ryan Findley. They then started to present their capstone projects to Vice Dean Catherine Duggan, Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce and fellow classmates. Their capstone projects were the culmination of two terms of work.
TUESDAY 3 JULY
Students wrapped up their capstone presentations, receiving feedback from fellow MBA classmates and ALUSB Deans. Powerful ideas were shared, brilliant questions were asked and value was added from experienced peers in the room.
WEDNESDAY 4 JULY
The Class of 2018 student committee organised a day trip to Rwanda’s beautiful Lake Muhazi, where they spent some quality time away together. The students participated in many activities, including eating competitions, sack racing, a dancing competition, football and a tug-of-war!
THURSDAY 5 JULY
Students took some vital time to reflect on their futures, post graduation. What was next for our Leaders for the African Century?
FRIDAY 6 JULY
Students were joined by their families, who attended a special programme with some of ALUSB’s finest faculty, including a taste of a Political Economy in the Context of African Business (PECAB) case study led by Professor Catherine Duggan, and a Leadership Lab simulation led by CLO Ryan Findley. In the afternoon they attended a tour of Kigali, visiting key landmarks like the Kigali Cultural Village and the Special Economic Zone, future home of the Kigali Innovation City.
Meanwhile our MBAs attended a closing session with ALU Founder Fred Swaniker, who reminded them, “We have less than 6000 days before Africa has the largest workforce in the world. It will be morally irresponsible not to contribute towards solving this challenge”.
SATURDAY 7 JULY
We were honoured by the presence of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, who led the Class of 2018’s final leadership case.
The students then proceeded to their graduation ceremony, for which Dr. Strive Masiyiwa, CEO and Founder of Econet, delivered a wisdom-packed keynote address. Thirty eight students graduated with a Masters in Business Administration that day.
