UNIZIK Business School Calls for Repositioning of Africa’s Business Ecosystem to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth
The UNIZIK Business School (UBS) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has called for the repositioning of Africa’s business ecosystem to accelerate sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
Philip22
The UNIZIK Business School (UBS) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has called for the repositioning of Africa’s business ecosystem to accelerate sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The call was made at the school’s 8th International Hybrid Conference, held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, under the theme, “Repositioning Africa’s Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Economic Transformation.”
The conference brought together academics, industry leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening African businesses and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Asigbo, emphasised the importance of universities in advancing research, innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic development.
He noted that higher education institutions have a significant role to play in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements through research that addresses societal challenges and provides practical solutions.
Professor Anyaehie further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among universities, government and the private sector to establish an enabling environment for business growth and sustainable economic transformation.
He added that repositioning Africa’s business ecosystem requires a commitment to developing local enterprises, promoting innovation and converting the continent’s abundant human and material resources into lasting economic benefits.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and Chairman of Masters Energy Group of Companies, called for a shift from discussing Africa’s economic potential to translating it into productivity and sustainability.
Chief Ogah identified fragmented intra-African trade, the exportation of raw materials and limited opportunities for young people as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
He advocated the local processing of raw materials to strengthen value chains, create employment opportunities and ensure that more economic value remains within the continent.
He also called for policy consistency, an improved ease of doing business and increased investment in the digital and green economies.
According to him, universities must move beyond awarding degrees to become centres of innovation and enterprise development capable of addressing practical economic challenges.
Earlier, the Director of UNIZIK Business School, Professor Pius V. C. Okoye, highlighted the institution’s growth and commitment to developing practical solutions to business challenges.
Professor Okoye disclosed that the school, which began with fewer than 40 Master of Business Administration (MBA) students in 2018, now has more than 200 students enrolled across its postgraduate and professional programmes.
He also revealed that the business school had successfully hosted seven international conferences, producing more than 450 peer-reviewed papers.
According to him, UBS is strengthening its engagement with industry through partnerships designed to enable students to tackle real business challenges, particularly those affecting enterprises in South-East Nigeria.
He urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions that would produce actionable recommendations for government and other stakeholders.
The keynote address was delivered by Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, a former senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.
The conference also featured lead paper presentations by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and a former Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Amb. Anderson Nkemakonam Madubuike.
As part of the conference, awards were presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions and achievements in various fields.
The recipients included:
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Chief Benneth Etiaba, former Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), United Kingdom and District Societies.
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High Chief Innocent Obele, Chairman of Zenith Shipping Bonded Terminal Co. Ltd.
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Hon. Paul Nnaemeka Afulukwe, State Chairman of the Association of Vegetable Salad Dealers, Anambra State.
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Lady Uju Dike, Proprietress of British Spring College.
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Mr. Desmond Ihechukwu Umunnakwe, Chief Executive Officer of H-Med Life Sciences Ltd.
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Chief Obinna Etele, Chairman of Eteleson Industries Ltd.
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Chief Sir Sunny Frank Okonkwo, recipient of the Business Diversification and Philanthropy Excellence Award.
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Architect Stan Nwana, Chief Executive Officer of Stanzel Associates Limited, Abuja.
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Easyfil Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses and policymakers in building a resilient business ecosystem capable of supporting enterprise growth and sustainable economic transformation across Africa.
