Breakout 1
|
Fireside Chat
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 111

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Owning and Growing Businesses in Africa

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a compelling pathway for entrepreneurs seeking to own and operate businesses in Africa. While startups often capture the entrepreneurial spotlight, acquiring and scaling existing businesses presents a high-impact alternative for driving economic growth, preserving jobs, and creating value. This fireside chat will explore the real-world journey of acquiring and managing businesses in Africa.

Panelists will share insights on sourcing opportunities, financing acquisitions, operational considerations, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs illustrated through case studies. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the ETA model and the practicalities of executing acquisitions in diverse African markets.

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Owning and Growing Businesses in Africa

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a compelling pathway for entrepreneurs seeking to own and operate businesses in Africa. While startups often capture the entrepreneurial spotlight, acquiring and scaling existing businesses presents a high-impact alternative for driving economic growth, preserving jobs, and creating value. This fireside chat will explore the real-world journey of acquiring and managing businesses in Africa.

Panelists will share insights on sourcing opportunities, financing acquisitions, operational considerations, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs illustrated through case studies. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the ETA model and the practicalities of executing acquisitions in diverse African markets.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 111

Other Sessions

More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Spangler Auditorium
Finance
Rewriting the Rules: Rethinking Venture Capital in Africa's Next Decade
How venture capital is evolving to better serve Africa's startup ecosystem.
More info

Rewriting the Rules: Rethinking Venture Capital in Africa's Next Decade

The African venture capital landscape is maturing rapidly, with new fund models, deeper pools of capital, and more sophisticated investors emerging across the continent. This panel brings together leading VCs to discuss how the industry is rewriting its own rules — moving beyond hype cycles to build sustainable, thesis-driven investment strategies that align with Africa's unique market dynamics.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Spangler Auditorium
More Info
Breakout 2
|
Fireside Chat
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Aldrich 109
Diverse
In Conversation with Dupe Olusola on Transformations and Turnarounds
A fireside conversation with one of Africa's most dynamic hospitality leaders.
More info

In Conversation with Dupe Olusola on Transformations and Turnarounds

Join Dupe Olusola, CEO of Transcorp Hotels, for an intimate fireside conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Africa's hospitality and tourism industry. Olusola shares her journey building one of the continent's premier hospitality brands and the opportunities she sees for the sector in driving economic growth and job creation across Africa.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Aldrich 109
Host
Moderator
Chi Amaechi
Speakers
More Info
Breakout 2
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Aldrich 111
Culture
Owning Our Music and Media: Building the Business Behind the Culture
How African artists and entrepreneurs are taking ownership of the continent's music and media industries.
More info

Owning Our Music and Media: Building the Business Behind the Culture

African music is dominating global charts, but who owns the value being created? This panel brings together artists, label executives, and media entrepreneurs to discuss how Africans are taking ownership of their music and media industries — from IP rights and distribution to building platforms that keep value on the continent.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Aldrich 111
More Info
Specials
|
Saturday
|
4:20 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Diverse
Faculty Address: Hakeem Belo-Osagie
A faculty address by Hakeem Belo-Osagie at the 28th Annual Africa Business Conference.
More info

Faculty Address: Hakeem Belo-Osagie

Join Hakeem Belo-Osagie for a faculty address at the 28th Annual Africa Business Conference at Harvard Business School.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 4:20 PM
Klarman Auditorium
Host
Moderator
Strong bonds

Africa Focused,


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