USIU-Africa has recently launched the Center for Executive Education in collaboration with the Association for Family Business Enterprise (AFBE), the Institute of Directors (IOD), and the Doctoral Association of Eastern Africa (DAEA). The primary objective of the center is to cater to the increasing demand for professional development, expertise, and resources that can aid in supporting the rapidly evolving business, government, and non-profit landscape.

The Vice-Chancellor of USIU-Africa, Margee Ensign, has highlighted the significance of preparing family-owned businesses to remain competitive in a constantly changing business environment. The initial focus of the center is on family-owned businesses, which account for a staggering 76 percent of all companies in the EAC and employ over 78 percent of the workforce.

However, less than 16 percent of these businesses have a solid succession plan or strong family and business governance. Therefore, the commitment of the center towards the success of family-owned businesses remains unwavering.

The CEO of the Association for Family Business Enterprise, Jean Meeks-Koch, has stressed that a robust governance and continuity plan is crucial for family-owned businesses to thrive in the socio-economic landscape. These businesses serve as the foundation of a strong economic fabric, bringing together the threads of prosperity and growth for communities and the region.

USIU-Africa’s executive education programs aim to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to enable family-owned businesses to flourish in today’s global marketplace. In addition to family-owned businesses, the programs will also focus on IT, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, development, global monetary policy, and healthcare delivery.