Africa prepares for economic growth (2)

This is the concluding part of this discourse. The first part was published on Wednesday By ALIM ABUBAKRE KEEPING up in these fast-paced modern times is no small feat for any organisation, but trying to maintain global standards while depending on the infrastructure and business realities of the developing world can sometimes feel like a real uphill battle. Lately the pressure seems to be reaching a breaking point as the international community takes an increasing interest in Africa. Developed economies may be slowing to a grinding, excruciating halt, but in countries from Nigeria to Ethiopia, things are taking off and they are taking off fast. And with growth comes the scramble to accommodate. Many executives foresee a myriad of difficulties in doing so as they take into account the volatile environment found in many African countries, where poorly-maintained roads, unreliable electricity, corruption, security threats, and fragile institutions often slow things down. While it’s true these realities are not uniform across the board, when companies and governments want to work together, one country’s problems can easily become a hindrance for everyone. The coming growth makes these problems more of an emergency than ever before, as they sometimes have the ability to slow or even cripple chances for true progress. This is why it is crucial for executives in both the private and public sphere to take extra measures to prepare themselves. Coming changes will not wait for Africa’s organisations to prepare; therefore, getting top leadership the new skills they need for these dynamic times requires the fastest track possible to world class training. An organisation based in the United Kingdom believes they have the answer and is putting their money where their mouth is in their unique Africa-tailored course offerings. Who we are:“These Executive Minds,” TEXEM, offers select capacity development programmes, research and consultancy services based on time-tested, world class management concepts executives can take home and apply immediately. The company’s latest Executive Development Programme, “Creating Sustainable Solutions: Transformations in Governance,” is uniquely tailored to address the challenges of changing corporate governance in modern-day Africa. Alim Abubakre, the founder and director of TEXEM, notes: “Many senior executives already acknowledge that governance challenges in emerging economies hamper their ability to foster inclusive and sustained growth within organisations and nations. The issue addressed in this programme is how transformations in governance can offer sustainable solutions to the myriad of challenges that these organisations face. The programme will enhance participants’ expertise and their conceptual foundation while challenging assumptions and empowering them as leaders to shape and strengthen their organisations’ performance, with a view towards achieving national prosperity. Programme: The four-day workshop, which takes place between April 14 and 17, 2014 in collaboration with Oxford University, one of the leading educational institutions in the world; welcomes African leaders to come get the education they need to face the road ahead. Participation allows top management minds to access a set of proven tools based on existing models throughout the international community and learn about the best practices of the most innovative organisations and governments in the world. Key topics of this course include strategic management, adaptive leadership, organisational innovation, principled negotiation, executive innovation, and sustainability. Attendees will also receive a certificate from the University of Oxford, Smith School of Enterprise and Environment. Perhaps most importantly, the principles will be framed inside the contextual realities – social, political, and environmental – of doing business in Africa. This component is what brings the teachings from sound theoretic principles to a set of practical tools that can be administered in reality. The course will also serve as a platform for creating a community of networked executives from every corner of the Earth. Who should attend? CEOs, directors, and chairmen in top organisations (oil/gas, manufacturing, telecoms, financial services, hospitality, etc.), frontrunners of NGOs, heads of: religious organisations, government departments, and public service e.g. governors, SSGs, heads of service, commissioners, accountant generals, federal & state legislators, local government chairmen, and ceos of government parastatals and senior military officers, etc. Workshop sessions include: Instructors will introduce key concepts and then present examples using case studies, real-world scenarios, and simulations based on the realities of doing business in Africa. Detailed discussions will follow. Overview of programme: According to Professor Gordon L. Clark, Director, University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, “Participants on this executive education programme will learn from leading research at the University of Oxford. The programme will explore the critical challenges facing the private and public sectors in partnering for sustainable governance.” Alim Abubakre, Chief Executive Officer of These Executive Minds (TEXEM) believes that this programme will provide senior executives with the strategic insights needed to identify, comprehend and address emerging problems, thus, enhancing the proficiency that organizations need to adapt to rapidly changing social, political and environmental realities. Faculty Programme: Professor Gordon L Clark DSC (Oxon) FBA – Director, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, Dr. Peter Collecott CMG – British High Commissioner to Brazil (2004 – 08), Johanna Bernstein – International Lawyer (UN, National Government& Private sector), Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder, Lagos Business School, Mike Wilkins, Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC