INSEAD / University of Nairobi, Research Seminar on Fostering Entrepreneurship in East Africa by Professor Stephen Mezias, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Nairobi – 17 February 2012 : The University of Nairobi School of Business hosted Professor Stephen Mezias from INSEAD, who spoke about “Catalyzing economic growth with private equity: lessons from the recent success of Turkey”. 120 participants attended the seminar which included faculty, PhDs, MBAs and Undergraduates of Entrepreneurship.

“It was one of the few occasions where PhD, MBA and Bcom students sat in one room. It was a lively seminar where Prof. Mezias shared his research findings with an attentive audience. Prof. Mezias also expressed keen interest in research collaborations with University of Nairobi. We hope such seminars will become common in future . They go a long the way in enriching our intellectual culture”, said Dr Iraki, MBA Coordinator who organized the event with the INSEAD Africa Initiative.

INSEAD MBA/EMBA Master Class, by Prof. Steve Mezias, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Nairobi - 16 February 2012 : Over 65 MBA and EMBA candidates and INSEAD alumni attended the INSEAD Masterclass and MBA/EMBA Information Session in Nairobi.

Professor Mezias’ talk entitled 'Catalyzing economic growth with private equity: Lessons from the recent success of Turkey', reviewed the research on private equity (PE) investments in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. This study provides some lessons and implications for understanding PE in emerging markets generally and specifically for East Africa. A comparative analysis of Turkey and the other MENA countries, particularly in terms of the ecosystem for supporting PE investments, is very informative about how private investment can foster sustainable economic growth in emerging markets. Specific implications and recommendations for PE in emerging markets more generally and these transfer to the East African context more specifically were discussed.

Some feedback about the event:
Kenya ICT Board : "The event was fantastic. Really enjoyed the presentation and I'm following up with the professor for ways to collaborate."AfricaTalentbank : "Everyone who was at the INSEAD seminar can agree that it was an amazing experience" - "The insights to the world post-MBA were eye opening! Simple people who turn to do amazing things. Great opportunities (and scholarships) beckon to people from Africa at INSEAD" - "The INSEAD event was eye opening, challenging and really motivating. I was able to network and get business cards from lots of people. They gave us a sample of their lectures - Wow!! INSEAD is the way to go!"

INSEAD Roadshow in Africa in February 2012

Nairobi, Kenya - 16th and 17th February
Johannesburg, South Africa - 28th February
Lagos, Nigeria - 1st March

More information ? Contact inseadafricainitiative@insead.edu

Appointed as Member of the CMF New Leaders for Tomorrow - Promotion 2012

Upon INSEAD's recommendation, the Board of the Fondation du Forum Universale has officially appointed as Member of the Crans Montana Forum of New Leaders for Tomorrow Promotion 2012.

Mrs. Carole Ramella, MBA 06D, Founder and Managing Director at GFA Consulting Ltd, in Ghana

Mr. Eric Kacou, Managing Director OTF Group, in Kenya

Mr. Dare Okoudjou, MBA 05D, Senior Manager at MTN Group Ltd, in South Africa

The Award Ceremony for their promotion and the Special Programme for the New Leaders for Tomorrow will take place in the framework of the forthcoming South-South Cooperation Forum to be held in Brussels (Belgium), March 7-10, 2012.