Global Experience Week in Nairobi, Kenya: how can business address inequality?
Global Experience Week is a transformative opportunity for MBA students to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in international business landscapes. Last year, the students travelled to Nairobi, Kenya—a dynamic hub of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and economic growth. The theme of the trip, ‘How can business address inequality?’, was the driving force behind the journey. Through company visits, panel discussions and interactive sessions, students explored how businesses can support closing economic and social gaps. This experience empowers students to think beyond traditional business models and consider how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change.
Full-Time MBA students, Rishabh and Annelise, took up the opportunity to explore a new culture and travelled alongside the other MBA cohorts to Kenya. In this blog, Annelise reflects on her journey and its impact on her professional growth, while Rishabh shares daily insights from their week in Kenya.
10 May 2024
I’m Rishabh, a Full-Time MBA student at Imperial. We finally landed in Nairobi! As this is my first time in Africa, I’m eager to understand its markets, technological landscape and socio-economic development.
The significance of Global Experience Week
The trip immerses us in the practical application of addressing inequality through business, encouraging us to reflect on the impact we want to make in our careers. This experience bridges academic learning with real-world challenges, enriching our personal and professional growth.
11 May 2024
Ahead of the educational sessions, we visited Nairobi Mamba Village today, home to a Crocodile Farm, Ostrich Centre and Giraffe Centre.
Working with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Working with NGOs, which operate independently of government influence to address social and political issues, I learned the importance of grassroots initiatives and how impactful they can be in driving social change and community-focused solutions in business.
12 May 2024
Following our busy first day exploring Nairobi Mamba Village, we went on a stunning safari at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, organised by the Business School, where we saw buffaloes, baboons, pelicans and much more. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Sustainability in a global business context
I learned that sustainability in business requires a tailored approach, considering the unique socioeconomic and cultural contexts of each market to have a long-term impact, especially in Africa.
13 May 2024
After a few exciting days of exploring Kenya, we took part in a range of insightful sessions today:
- Kartik Jayaram (McKinsey Kenya’s partner): we discussed economic development and sustainability in Kenya. The main takeaway was ‘there is no one Africa – each country in Africa experiences divergent development paths.’ For instance, there are vast differences between African economies such as Morocco and South Africa.
- James Mwangi (Founder and CEO of Africa Climate Ventures): we explored the impact of climate change on Africa and the effects of COP28 on African carbon markets.
- Carlotta Dal Lago (Head of Business Development at Africa Legal Network): an Imperial Executive MBA Alum! She discussed the Flip Flopi project - which turns recycled plastic into boats and furniture, and the challenges of being an entrepreneur.
- Atiq Anjarwalla (Senior Partner at Africa Legal Network): he shared the inspiring journey of creating a pan-African law firm that combines legal, tax, regulatory and commercial advice
Understanding business in Africa
The sessions taught me that Africa cannot be viewed as a monolithic entity; diverse governance, culture and business operations require localised strategies. This insight has reshaped my global business perspective and challenged my previously western-centric views.
14 May 2024
Continuing with the educational element of our trip, we had engaging sessions with Roam Electric, Koko Networks, and Freehand Movement, gaining insights into sustainable business models and African entrepreneurship. We tackled a business challenge in groups, developing and pitching a marketing strategy for Roam.
Personal highlights from the trip
Going on safari in Maasai Mara after our week in Nairobi was the highlight of my trip. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring and reinforced the importance of environmental sustainability, not just for people but also for the broader ecosystem.
15 May 2024
Following yesterday’s insightful interactive sessions, we reflected on personal passions and purpose with Professor Tim Weiss, with an exercise to identify the confluence of the three P’s of our life – Passion, Purpose, Profit.
Later, we toured a coffee roastery, learning about the local coffee industry
Key takeaways
Innovative solutions: enterprises like Sanergy are driving impactful change within its community by providing private washrooms in low-income neighbourhoods then converting waste into fertiliser, creating a sustainable business ecosystem.
Sustainable transport: companies like ROAM (the pioneers of electric motorcycles) and BasiGo (leasing electric buses) highlight how sustainable transport can thrive with accessible financing.
Tailored business strategies: the unique aspects of each region in Africa emphasise the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity in global business operations.
16 May 2024
Today we had sessions with BasiGo and Regen Organics on investing in Kenya. Witnessing innovative solutions firsthand was inspiring.
Beyond the academic experience
While the sessions provided valuable business insights, the experience deepened my cultural awareness and reinforced the importance of understanding local contexts before doing business.
17 May 2024
It’s our last day! To close off our trip, we explored impactful healthcare innovations and discussed decolonising international development aid. We left Kenya reflecting on how we can create meaningful change.
Advice for Global Experience Week participants
Be open to new perspectives. Ask questions, embrace change, and take in every moment. The Global Experience Week is an incredibly transformative trip, and I feel privileged and grateful to have had this opportunity, it is something I’ll always carry with me.
The Global Experience Week in Nairobi was more than just a trip. From witnessing innovative business solutions to reflecting on the impact they want to make in their careers, this experience challenged students’ assumptions, while highlighting the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in global business. As they return to their studies, they take with them fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of how business can drive change and challenge inequality.
Explore our Full-Time MBA programme
Share
Go slower to go faster
Success in your MBA means occasionally slowing down to confirm you're still headed where you want to go.
How to get ahead in finance and take advantage of rapid growth
At Imperial, we’ll help prepare you for success in the finance field whether you are interested in Investment Banking, FinTech or beyond.
Insights into AI: an on-campus week as an MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) student
The week saw MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) students collaborating with a world leading Generative AI marketing company, who offered students the chance to develop real-world experience with AI-driven content generation.