UNIZIK PROMOTING AFRICA'S ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
UNIZIK Business School Hosts 8th International Conference on Sustainable Economic Transformation
The UNIZIK Business School (UBS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, held its 8th International Hybrid Conference with a call for the repositioning of Africa’s business ecosystem to drive sustainable economic transformation.
The conference, held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka with the theme, “Repositioning Africa’s Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Economic Transformation.”
It brought together academics, industry leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening African businesses and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alex Asigbo, emphasised the importance of universities in advancing research, innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic development. He noted that higher institutions have a significant role to play in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs through research that addresses societal challenges and produces practical solutions.
Prof. Anyaehie further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among universities, government and the private sector to create an enabling environment for business growth and sustainable economic transformation. He noted that repositioning Africa’s business ecosystem requires a commitment to developing local enterprise, promoting innovation and translating the continent’s abundant human and material resources into lasting economic benefits.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and Chairman of Masters Energy Group of Companies, called for a shift from discussing Africa’s potential to translating it into productivity and sustainability.
Chief Ogah identified fragmented intra-African trade, the exportation of raw materials and the limited opportunities available to young people as challenges requiring urgent attention. He advocated local processing of raw materials to strengthen value chains, create jobs and retain more economic value within the continent. He also called for policy consistency, improved ease of doing business and greater investment in digital and green economies, noting that universities must go beyond awarding degrees to become centres of innovation and enterprise development.
Earlier, the Director of UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Pius V. C. Okoye, in his welcome address, highlighted the Business School’s growth and its commitment to providing practical solutions to business challenges. He disclosed that the School, which began with fewer than 40 MBA students in 2018, now has over 200 students across its various postgraduate and professional programmes.
Prof. Okoye noted that the School had hosted seven successful international conferences, producing over 450 peer-reviewed papers. He added that UBS was strengthening its engagement with industry through partnerships that would enable students to address real business challenges, particularly those affecting enterprises in the South-East. He urged participants to engage in meaningful deliberations that would produce actionable recommendations for government and other stakeholders.
The keynote address was delivered by Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District. The conference also featured lead paper presentations by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Amb. Anderson Nkemakonam Madubuike.
As part of the conference, awards were presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions and achievements in various fields. The recipients included Chief Benneth Etiaba, former Chairman of ICAN, United Kingdom and District Societies; High Chief Innocent Obele, Chairman of Zenith Shipping Bonded Terminal Co. Ltd.; Hon. Paul Nnaemeka Afulukwe, State Chairman of the Association of Vegetable Salad Dealers, Anambra State; Lady Uju Dike, Proprietress of British Spring College; and Mr. Desmond Ihechukwu Umunnakwe, Chief Executive Officer of H-Med Life Sciences Ltd.
Other recipients were Chief Obinna Etele, Chairman of Eteleson Industries Ltd.; Chief Sir Sunny Frank Okonkwo, who received the Business Diversification and Philanthropy Excellence Award; Arch. Stan Nwana, Chief Executive Officer of Stanzel Associates Limited, Abuja; and Easyfil Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses and policymakers in building a resilient business ecosystem capable of supporting enterprise growth and sustainable economic transformation across Africa.
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