AACSB MENA Conference: Business Education Needs More Collaboration, Time for Action

Originally published on The NileView by Sherif Kamel, Professor of Management and Dean of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo. (read full article here)

Conference Overview

The AACSB Middle East North Africa (MENA) conference series returned to Dubai in 2025, marking its sixth iteration since launching in 2019. As chair of the 2025 edition, Sherif Kamel hosted 150 participants representing 25 countries across four continents for a comprehensive two-day agenda addressing critical challenges and opportunities in regional business education.

The MENA Context: Challenges and Opportunities

The MENA region faces a complex landscape of global disruptions, including economic development needs, societal issues, climate challenges, digital transformation demands, and ongoing regional conflicts. However, these challenges present unprecedented opportunities for innovative solutions and collaboration.

The region’s greatest asset is its human capital—particularly its overwhelmingly young and dynamic demographics. These populations must become future-ready with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate 21st-century complexities and drive meaningful change in an interconnected global marketplace.

Critical Questions Addressed

The conference tackled recurring questions that resonate throughout the business education community:

• Is what business schools are doing relevant and sufficient?
• What should change, and what should be done differently?
• How effective are business schools in collaborating with business and industry?
• How agile are business schools in adapting to future work needs?
• Is their voice heard and impactful?

Key Conference Themes

Regional Economic Resilience

Business schools’ role as key stakeholders in creating resilient economies was emphasized, focusing on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity within the unique MENA context.

Technology Integration

Discussions covered Generative AI and innovative teaching and learning models, exploring how technology can enhance rather than replace human-centered education.

Sustainability and Ethics

The conference addressed integrating sustainability into curricula while instilling ethical values in students and learners, preparing them for responsible leadership.

Internationalization Through Regional Partnerships

Enhancing global connections while leveraging regional strengths was identified as crucial for preparing leaders who can influence economies and transform societies.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The promotion of entrepreneurial culture through university-based incubators, accelerators, and programs that foster innovation within local contexts received significant attention.

Bridging Academia and Industry

A central theme was building more effective bridges between business and academia. Sessions explored how business schools can adapt their research agendas to address regional complexities and contribute to evidence-based policymaking that promotes economic resilience and inclusive growth.

The Entrepreneurship Focus

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Affinity Group meeting brought together deans and representatives from business schools across MENA and beyond. They shared experiences in establishing incubators, accelerators, centers, and programs that promote entrepreneurial cultures in their societies.

University-based incubators were highlighted as:

• Centers of knowledge and cutting-edge research
• Venues for student-centered learning experiences
• Platforms providing access to faculty, seminars, facilities, mentorship, and networking opportunities

The goal is to enhance the MENA startup ecosystem by leveraging its unique strengths and capabilities, contributing to the region’s economic and social development.

The Call for Action

The conference reinforced that while discussion and planning are essential, the time has come for concrete action. The business education community in MENA demonstrated tremendous potential for collaboration, but this must now translate into tangible initiatives that develop homegrown talent capable of making a positive societal impact.

Regional Collaboration Imperative

The gathering emphasized that regional collaboration is not just beneficial but essential for advancing business education in MENA. By working together as a community of educators and practitioners, the region can:

• Reimagine the future of business education
• Develop locally relevant solutions to global challenges
• Create sustainable pathways for economic and social development
• Build resilient societies that can thrive in an uncertain world

Looking Forward

The conference showcased one of the world’s fastest-growing business education markets, characterized by great energy, good spirit, and immense passion for future possibilities. The MENA region’s business schools demonstrated readiness to tackle challenges through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to societal impact.

Bottom Line

Business education in the MENA region stands at a pivotal moment. The foundation for transformation has been laid through consistent dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing. The infrastructure for collaboration exists, and the passion for change is evident. Now, as Kamel emphasizes, it is time for action—time to move from planning to implementation, from discussion to measurable impact, and from individual efforts to coordinated regional transformation.

The future of business education in MENA depends on the community’s ability to translate this collective energy and vision into concrete initiatives that develop the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents capable of building more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable societies.