Summer means one thing for the Admissions team at Dillon House: it’s outreach season. Team members head out on the road to spread the word about the HBS MBA and meet with prospective students around the world. 

Last month Admissions Director Chad Losee had the opportunity to visit Africa for the first time, and we checked in with him to learn more about the trip. 

1. What was it like to visit Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire?

This trip was my first time to Africa, so I’ve really been looking forward to it. I was impressed by the people and the energy in this region of the world. I had a free afternoon and wandered through the Makola Market in Accra for a few hours. In addition to the interesting foods and wares—an unbelievable assortment of things to buy from pvc pipes to exotic peppers—I enjoyed seeing the entrepreneurs in action.

2. Why do you think it’s important to hold outreach events in Africa? 

Africa is hugely important to the global community and is poised to become even more important economically. We need the perspectives of African students in our classrooms and community. They have a very different perspective about what it takes to have an impact in business and the world.

3. What is the alumni community like in Africa?

I would use two words, strong and intimate. In each of the cities I stayed in (Accra, Lagos, Abidjan) I met with multiple alums and many came to the admissions events. They are having a big impact—working as entrepreneurs (last mile logistics company and social entrepreneurship focused on youth unemployment to name just two), investors, government ministers, and executives of pan-African companies. 

And, they were so close knit, and welcomed me warmly into their gatherings. In Lagos, I happened to be there on a day of a Club event. I had the chance to sample some delicious food and came away with multiple new friends. 

4. When will you visit Africa again?

I’m headed back to Africa later this summer. I’ll be making stops in Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa and in Nairobi, Kenya. I’ve heard those are very different places than West Africa. I can’t wait to experience them first hand!