Dar es Salaam. African universities, policymakers, and business leaders have been urged to strengthen the convergence of business, technology, and sustainability to foster competitive and resilient enterprises.
The call was made during the 20th International Conference on African Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (ICAESB), hosted by the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) on January 15.
The conference has become a key platform for linking research, policy, and practice to support Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In his welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof William A. L. Anangisye, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof Nelson Boniface, described ICAESB as an essential forum for advancing entrepreneurial knowledge and practical solutions across the continent.
Officially opening the event, the guest of honour, Dr Baraka R Mdima, Deputy Director General of the Tanzania Ports Authority, urged African businesses to embrace digital transformation and sustainability as core imperatives for growth.
He stressed that aligning entrepreneurship with the Sustainable Development Goals and the University of Dar es Salaam’s Vision 2061 is crucial for long-term success.
Reinforcing this message, the Dean of UDBS, Prof Omari Mbura, highlighted the conference’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and actionable research.
He described the 20th ICAESB as a catalyst for translating academic insights into tangible business outcomes, thereby transforming the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The conference attracted scholars, business leaders, and policymakers from across Africa, providing a forum to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and chart strategies for the sustainable growth of African enterprises.
