African business conference hosted by University
African business conference hosted by the University of East London
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African business conference hosted by the University of East London
Published
23 May 2023
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The University’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law and the Academy of African Business Development hosted a four-day conference on the theme of "Industry 4.0: Dynamic Global Business Environment and sustainable development in Africa."
The conference which took place on 16-20 May at the University Square Stratford campus heard a host of high profile speakers on topics such as "Market reactions to the Russian Ukraine conflict: An event study of African and G7 equities", "An evaluation of female entrepreneurs’ impact on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from Ghana" and "Exploring how retailer power and fast fashion trends affect market -orientation strategies in the fashion industry."
Speakers and delegates joined the conference in person from Barbados, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Haiti, Kenya, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, USA and Zambia.
Dr Ayantunji Gbadamosi, Associate Professor in Marketing at the School of Business and Law and chair of the conference organising committee said:
The development in the world of technology has changed our ways of life including consumption, education, religion, manufacturing processes and in several other ways. From the continuous innovation in which several minor innovative steps have brightened lives globally to the discontinuous innovations that have radically transformed what we do and how we relate in the global business environment, the changes are palpable. It is a topical issue that is consistent with the ethos and values of both UEL and the Academy."
Born, raised and educated in east London, Dawn Butler MP represents groups and people in society that are often underrepresented and served as Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities between 2017-2020. She attended the conference as keynote speaker and spoke on the topic of African Business in the context of the UK relationship:
"It was a pleasure to participate in the University of East London's Academy of Africa Business Development Conference and to speak on African business in the context of its relationship with the UK. Thank you to UEL for hosting this important conference. It is vital that we change the perception of Africa as an impoverished nation reliant only on foreign aid. Africa is not poor, it is a net contributor to the global economy. We have to shift the conversation on Africa and also acknowledge the harms done to it; the wealth stolen and the debt it is owed - it is time to address restorative justice this is long overdue. It was wonderful to address UEL on these vital points."
Lyn Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Africa chaired a talk on sustainable business and development in Africa. She said: "I'm so pleased to play a part in UEL's Academy of African Business and Development Conference. It's wonderful as the local MP, and particularly as UK Shadow Minister for Africa, to welcome distinguished experts to Newham. The topics being discussed are timely and important for the future of our world, and conferences like this play an essential part in building the UK's connections with fast-growing, dynamic African economies and societies. I believe we can only tackle common challenges, including climate heating, security threats, and sustainable economic growth, if we work together in partnership."
Professor Matt Bellgard, Pro Vice Chancellor for Impact and Innovation at concluded the conference:
"Transformations are not just physical but cultural and political. Success to navigate this change will be realised through the effective application of technology and innovation: Industry 4.0 - but one more element- the key ingredient- the human element" he said.
For more info on AABD please see: AABD – Academy of African Business and Development (theaabd.org)
