The Casablanca Climate Leadership Forum 2024 wrapped up with an insightful Stakeholders’ Day Panel C discussion, themed โ€œShaping Climate Leaders: The Role of African Business Schools in Environmental Change.โ€ This thought-provoking panel highlighted the essential role African business schools play in advancing climate action and educating leaders equipped to address the continentโ€™s environmental challenges.

The panel was moderated by Jako Volschenk from Stellenbosch Business School and featured distinguished speakers including Caesar Mwanga (Strathmore Business School), Thami Ghorfi (ESCA Ecolde de Management), Chinwe Ajene-Sagna (Lagos Business School), Morris Mthombeni (Gordon Institute of Business Science), and Samer Atallah (American University in Cairo). Each panelist brought forward insights on how their institutions are addressing climate issues and preparing leaders to drive meaningful change.

Highlights from the Panel Discussion:

  • Chinwe Ajene-Sagna discussed the “radical disconnect” between climate knowledge and the informal sector, stressing the need to demystify climate issues to make them accessible and actionable for the broader public.
  • Morris Mthombeni emphasized the human-centric nature of the climate crisis, asserting, โ€œIt’s a human problem, not a climate problem.โ€ He highlighted leadership failures as a core challenge and underscored the mission of Business Schools 4 Climate Leadership Africa (BS4CL Africa) to cultivate ethical and responsible leaders.
  • Caesar J.Muriithi Mwangi of Strathmore Business School reaffirmed their mission to lead Africaโ€™s transformation through impactful climate leadership initiatives.
  • Samer Atallah reflected on the broad impact of academic institutions in driving climate action beyond traditional education.
  • Thami Ghorfi warned that climate challenges undermine societal value, urging for research and curricula that drive meaningful impact and prepare future leaders.

Following the panel, Saad Laraqui delivered closing remarks, presenting the Casablanca Call to Action, setting an inspiring tone for the future of climate leadership in Africa.

This impactful session, part of the ongoing efforts of BS4CL Africa, reflects the commitment of African business schools to not only educate but to actively drive sustainability and climate resilience across the continent.

For more details on the forum, visit the LinkedIn Post.