Yale SOM Spring Break Trip to Nigeria

Background:

Africa has traditionally been relegated to the backwaters of the world economy, and global economic interest in African countries has been limited to the extraction of primary resources. However, in the last decade, many African countries have installed democratically elected governments and many of these countries are undertaking significant economic reform. In recognition of the economic prospects in Africa, there is an increasing amount of focus on the continent. The business school community has been a part of this increased awareness, and some of the largest annual conferences held in business schools are now focused entirely on Africa. Examples of these conferences include the Annual Wharton Africa Conference organized by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School; the HBS Africa Business Conference organized by the Harvard Business School; and the Africa Conference organized by NorthWestern's Kellogg School of Business. Forums like these provide a platform for interested parties to brainstorm and network with invited business and political leaders.

The 2006 Spring Break trip to Nigeria represents a step in the effort to increase awareness of the economic opportunities in Africa. With over 130 million people, Nigeria is Africa's largest market and potentially its largest economy. The country is undergoing a wide range of political and economic reforms to reach its immense potential. Nigeria is probably Africa's most influential country and has the potential to be a great stabilizing force in the African continent.

During the trip, Yale School of Management students will interact with leaders from various sectors of Nigerian business and society by visiting various leading corporations in Calabar, Lagos and Abuja. We also plan on holding admissions forums in Lagos and Abuja for professionals interested in the Yale MBA or other leading business programs in the United States. In addition, we also plan on exploring the tourism industry in these cities.

Itinerary:

• March 6 - March 9 : Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State
• March 9 - March 13: Lagos State
• March 13 - March 17: Abuja State