This course is designed to introduce HBS students to the complexities of Africa – economic, sociological, and historical – and the ways in which these Africa-specific trends impact the opportunities and challenges in undertaking business and entrepreneurship ventures on the continent today. Drawing upon the active participation of prominent African alumni, as well as others with expertise in the field, "Understanding Africa" will offer big picture understandings of the continent and the ways in which its past informs the present. At the same time, the course will take deep, vertical looks at both the differences and nuances that render Africa unique in today's emerging market landscape, and the similarities that can be drawn from other regions of the Global South and beyond. "Understanding Africa" is crafted to appeal to both students who have extensive experience working in Africa, as well as those who know very little about the continent, though are eager to expand their knowledge.

Course Framework

Understanding Africa, formally known as Africa Rising will be taught through an integrative method, and one that will draw upon the rich expertise and experiences of alumni and other experts from Africa. The course is purposefully designed to leverage student and alumni/expert participation with its format that includes live cases, simulations, and Ted-style talks; as such, preparation is light relative to case-study preparation and includes some background reading as well as optional readings for students who wish to pursue deeper interests in the topics covered. Course themes will include, among others, resilience; long time frames; diversification; leadership; formal and informal structures of power; technology; infrastructure; and staffing, personnel and management.

We will of course also be examining the impact that COVID has had on Africa, the leadership challenges that it has thrown up, and examining what a new normal would look like. We will examine the impact that the current geopolitical conflicts will have on the continent. How will Africa thrive in a deglobalized world, that nonetheless needs global solutions to climate change which represents a real existential threat for humanity. Are we seeing a new cold war emerging in the Sahelian region? What impact will demographics have on Africa's place in the world. We will deal old industries like energy, finance and telecommunications. But will also deal with the new industries. Art. Music. Sports. Entertainment.

This course will run over 6 2 hour sessions. There will be an array of interesting outside speakers some of whom will be available for conversations after the classes. This course was previously a short intensive program designed to introduce students to the complexities of Africa – economic, sociological, and historical – and the ways Africa-specific trends impact business and entrepreneurship ventures on the continent today. Last year, we launched it as its own independent course here at HBS titled “Africa Rising.” Its significant impact is evident, and we are pleased to continue the course under a new name, “Understanding Africa.” We look forward to receiving you.

Grading

Grading will be based on 50% class participation. 50% written paper.