Named for the South African word Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are,” the Ubuntu Management Education Initiative (UMEI) was created to establish a symbiotic knowledge exchange between Ivey and African business schools while building capacity for case-based business education in Africa.
Created by Dr. Nicole Haggerty, Associate Dean Faculty and Associate Professor in Digital Innovation and Information Systems, the UMEI emphasizes collaboration with five partner universities in Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Inspired by Paul Beamish’s creation of the 39-Country Initiative, which makes Ivey’s case library free to universities in the world’s least developed countries, Haggerty recalls thinking in 2011 that this was “a fantastic beginning, but the challenge was: in these countries, where lecturing is common, how would students adapt to learning with cases and how would faculty know how to teach using cases?”
That’s when she had the idea to create a service learning course, which would see Ivey students travel to African universities and demonstrate the case method to their peers while also learning about Africa’s business context and regional economic opportunities. She would focus on developing faculty case teaching and writing skills with local workshops.
“The reciprocal aspect was really important to me,” says Haggerty, who wanted Ivey students to approach the experience by asking themselves: “What have I not learned in my Ivey education that I need to learn here?”
The Africa Service Learning course launched in 2012. Since then, the UMEI has grown to encompass two other initiatives, which are generously funded by donors: Visiting Scholars, which welcomes faculty from African partner universities to Ivey for a month-long immersive case teaching experience; and the African Exchange Program, where African students come study at Ivey for a semester.
Africa Service Learning
The cornerstone of the UMEI, Ivey’s elective Africa Service Learning (ASL) course comprises two parts. The first half is an intensive week of classes that prepares students to switch hats — from case learners to case teachers. Next, they embark on a month-long service learning trip to an African university where they teach students using the case method and then write a case about a local business that is later added to Ivey Publishing’s collection.
“It's a full-contact sport,” Haggerty says. “It’s meant to be highly interactive and experiential, like cases are.”
In 2022, Lameck Osinde, Lecturer of Information Systems at Ivey, took over as the UMEI program coordinator. “Building on Nicole’s vision, I have worked closely with our partner universities to develop transformative educational experiences,” he says.
Before Ivey students depart, they practise leading case discussions. Osinde coaches them on what to expect when teaching in an African school setting where lecture-based instruction is the norm, and students don’t typically participate in class — a marked difference from Ivey’s class structure.
Beyond teaching, Ivey students participate in a variety of social impact work on their trips, such as buying and delivering supplies for local schools and raising money for university scholarships for elementary students.
In the past, donor funds have helped Ivey students cover the cost of their flights, while partner universities provide accommodation. To date, 259 HBA and six MSc students have completed the course. Below are the reflections of two Ivey students who travelled to Ghana and Tanzania as part of the ASL course in May 2024.
The ASL course was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Because of it, I’m more adaptable, I see problems and challenges differently, and I'm more open to change. All the staff and faculty made an effort to learn each of our names, ask us questions, and make us feel welcome. I learned just as much, if not more, from my students in Ghana than they learned from me, and it wasn’t all business-related. Even though they position us as teachers, we are the true students.
The ASL course is the best thing I've ever done. I learned so much more about the case method by teaching it. I have a totally new perspective coming into HBA2 and have become a lot more structured with how I approach cases. No matter what you want out of Ivey, this trip can only be regarded as beneficial. Whether you want to learn more about international markets and entrepreneurship or want to do a lot of social impact work, this is the best way to make a difference in people's lives. I got a great job this year and I would say the reason for that is because of the personal development I gained on the trip.
Visiting Scholars
In the early days of the program, Haggerty focused on delivering case teaching and writing workshops at partner schools, training more than 225 faculty in case method. In 2015, Haggerty introduced the Visiting Scholars program, a donor-funded initiative that sees Ivey host African scholars for about a month so they can learn how to use cases in their teaching.
“It’s hard to explain how the case method works at Ivey,” says Haggerty. “I wanted African faculty who really wanted to engage with the case method to come experience the School, and really be immersed.”
While here, visiting scholars attend case-teaching seminars; co-teach classes; share academic research and teaching experience; serve as guest lecturers; and collaborate with Western University academic and research communities to conduct research during and after the visit. To date, Ivey has hosted four scholars from Africa, with the next group of five scheduled to arrive in Fall 2025.
African Exchange Program
Around the same time the Visiting Scholars program was introduced, the African Exchange Program was established, an initiative that enables African students to come study at Ivey for a semester, with their tuition and accommodations fully covered by donor funds.
While at Ivey, these students gain direct exposure to the case method and bring their unique perspectives to discussions. To date, Ivey has welcomed 21 African Exchange students. In Fall 2024, three students arrived from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and The University of Rwanda. Below, they share the impact this experience had on them.
Catherine Ngugi | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Studying at Ivey was an eye-opening experience. The faculty’s passion for teaching and their deep expertise challenged me to think critically and strive for excellence. I learned to analyze complex situations, consider multiple viewpoints, and propose practical solutions. These skills are particularly relevant in Africa, where businesses often face unique challenges that require innovative approaches. My advice to anyone considering the Exchange Program is simple: embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. It’s not just an academic exchange; it’s a chance to grow, broaden your perspective, and gain skills that will set you apart in your career. It’s a journey that will truly transform you.
RickJohn Ngugi | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
I had been talking back home about creating a new world. Coming to London, Ont., and specifically being at Ivey, made me see that the vision I had could bring forth even better possibilities for Africa and the world. Professor Lameck Osinde went over and above what was required of him to make sure we were as comfortable as possible. The staff at the Programs Office were also quite helpful and resourceful in helping us get settled in. I cannot heap enough praise on my lecturers. I promise to make them proud with the takeaways that filled my notebook.
Peter Mugabo | The University of Rwanda, Rwanda
The Ivey community was an incredible source of learning and inspiration. The lecturers are not only knowledgeable but bring a wealth of global experience, making their insights practical and relevant. Fellow students challenged me to think differently and embrace innovative solutions. Interacting with such a diverse and driven community has equipped me with the skills to build and lead teams effectively in Africa’s diverse cultural and economic landscape. To anyone considering the Exchange Program: go for it with an open mind and a readiness to embrace growth.
While the UMEI was met with many challenges during the era of COVID-related travel restrictions and Visa issues, both Osinde and Haggerty are optimistic about its future.
“Witnessing the mutual growth of Ivey students and their African peers inspires my dedication to this work,” says Osinde. “The connections formed, and the knowledge exchange between continents underscores the profound impact of shared learning experiences.”
The importance of learning from other cultures and about economic opportunity beyond Canada is perhaps more acute than ever, says Haggerty. “Given the current environment of trade,” she says, “the value of thinking about the world beyond North America and the global North is really important.”
If you are interested in helping support any aspect of the Ubuntu Management Education Initiative, please contact Andrea Luchini at aluchini@ivey.ca.