Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP) – Africa

Introduction

Effective leaders know that, in the world of business, the only constant is, and will forever be, change. The changes within are increasing exponentially and at a more rapid pace than ever before. Leaders are introduced to new organisational concepts, new business models, new technologies, and new consumer needs every day. It is an intricate and dynamic environment that can pose many challenges for leaders who are not prepared. This programme equips senior leaders with the tools necessary to transform these challenges into opportunities and help them become agents of change for their teams and organisation at large. It aims to broaden their worldview and empower them to become and remain resilient and agile leaders. It equips them with the strategic skills necessary to navigate an evolving business landscape in emerging African countries. It will shift their thinking towards the future and equip them with the tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary to be better prepared for what is currently happening and yet to come. It nurtures a strategic and design-thinking mindset, as we explore concepts around strategic innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, as well as organisational change, business agility, and financial viability. Participants will thus be able to shift their paradigms from contributing at a functional level to impacting the organisation at a strategic level.

The programme is facilitated by faculty who are subject matter experts, with significant insight into the private and public sectors in Africa and globally. Participant profiles display diversity across cultures, country-specific industries, and roles, with the majority emanating from African corporates and public sector organisations. The programme places emphasis on the unique challenges of emerging markets, incorporating Africa-specific case studies to ensure relevance while still applying global best practices. Participants will develop a cross-disciplinary understanding and are encouraged to collaborate across diverse business environments and organisational contexts. While the theoretical frameworks and tools are universal, case studies and examples are drawn largely from the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors that impact management and leadership on the African continent. Interactive discussion forums, and the associated project work, are therefore also within this context.