Global Immersion: Lessons from Rwanda on Conflict, Leadership, and Business Opportunities

Parts of Africa are now some of the most exciting regions of the world for business. A growing number of African countries have achieved steady, high growth rates during the last few decades. A wide range of sectors in these “lion” economies – commodities, tourism, agribusiness, eCommerce, oil and gas, retail, etc. – are buzzing with activity and attention from foreign investors and multinationals. But how can companies and investors enter and operate efficiently in African countries? What challenges characterize the private sector in Africa, how do they vary with context, and what strategies can firms and organizations adopt to overcome them? Where can new MBAs interested in Africa add the most value? Rwanda is a wonderful country to explore and address these questions. In 1994, Rwanda suffered a brutal genocide in which nearly 1 million people were killed in a 3-month period. In the years since the genocide, the country has rebuilt with remarkable results. Rwanda is now one of the safest countries in Africa. Rwandans now live side by side in peace, the country’s economy continues to grow rapidly, and Rwanda has made great strides in reducing poverty and increasing entrepreneurship, education, and access to health care. Further, the country has been praised for its handling of the COVID pandemic. Armed with frameworks and analytical tools from management and economics, we will meet with executives in Rwanda to understand the leadership practices, processes, and structures that have led to Rwanda’s remarkable recovery, reconciliation, current peace, and economic growth. This course will travel to Kigali March 9-16, 2024 About the Global Immersion Program Global Immersion Program classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students may have one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School. The 2023-2024 Global Immersion Program fee for most classes is $1950 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals; unless an increased fee is otherwise specified in the course description. It does not cover round-trip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course. Additionally, no program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program, and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses.