Rethinking Global Management Through African Insights
In an evolving business landscape as dynamic as that in Southern Africa, management education must embrace diversity and center global perspectives in the classroom. Understanding how businesses operate across continents is crucial for modern leaders. This is particularly true when tackling pressing global challenges. In response to the growing demand for truly global leaders, the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB), in collaboration with CEMS, has developed a distinctive approach through its Master of Management (CEMS MIM) program. Through the UCT GSB CEMS MIM, students gain insight into international management while also acquiring unique business perspectives from the African continent.
What Makes the UCT GSB CEMS MIM Curriculum So Unique?
Let’s explore the various elements that make the MIM program at UCT GSB stand out.
Dual Qualifications
The CEMS MIM program at UCT GSB stands out for various reasons. Most notably, the program leads to dual qualification. Program graduates are awarded the Master in International Management by CEMS and the Master of Management – International Management degree by the University of Cape Town. Same amount of time, double the qualifications.
A Hands-on Program Combining African Insights & Global Breadth
This full-time, one-year program has a multi-layered and hands-on learning methodology. It includes international management courses, business skills seminars, an international internship, a business immersion project with CEMS industry partners, and a study term abroad at one of CEMS’ partner universities in 34 countries.
Additionally, the program is taught in a unique blend of hybrid and in-person learning. The first two terms are academic, while the third term (8 weeks) is entirely dedicated to a hands-on internship. Students also partake in electives, a dissertation, and a language course.
Not to mention, there is a unique focus on doing business in Africa within the curriculum. Courses like “Business Development and Doing Business in Africa” introduce students to regional dynamics. It also includes courses such as “Global Strategy” and “Global Leadership”. This balance helps students understand both global and regional frameworks.
By integrating African perspectives into international management education, UCT GSB ensures that graduates are not only globally minded but regionally grounded. The UCT GSB CEMS MIM’s integration of African business knowledge prepares students to lead with agility, empathy, and context-specific insights.
When talking about hands-on learning, another unique aspect of UCT GSB in South Africa is its Solution Space. Located in Philippi Village in Cape Town, it serves as a hub dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth development. In essence, Philippi Village is a collaborative space for entrepreneurship, events, and community.
CEMS MIM students go off-campus and participate in experiential learning at the Phillipi Village Solution Space. During this experiential learning, they address real-world sustainable development and social challenges. They learn from local entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that stem from working within the local context. Furthermore, the Philippi Village Solution Space fosters empathy and adaptability. By engaging directly with social ventures and startups, they bridge theory with business practice in a meaningful way.
Collaboration That Builds Global-African Business Links
UCT GSB’s partnerships with African corporations and startups also provide students with direct access to real-world business experience. Through the CEMS global alliance, students engage with an even wider network of corporate partners and organizations operating across Africa and the globe.
These collaborations expose students to business innovation in action. Working with industry partners allows students to understand what drives success in emerging and developing markets, both in Africa and abroad.
By combining global exposure with regional collaboration, the UCT GSB CEMS MIM creates graduates who can bridge borders, cultures, and industries.
What Students Say About the CEMS MIM Experience
Student experiences reveal how enriching the program can be.
One MIM student, Ulrich Brummer, says, “I chose the program because it’s an amazing opportunity to study in South Africa, and get global experience.” (00:04)
Another MIM student, Logan Healy-Tuke, shares, “Honestly, Cape Town is a phenomenal place to be. The city, the mountains, the sea; you have everything together. UCT GSB is in the midst of it all.” (00:34)
For students like Paulina Bergman, it was the diverse local culture, the unique South African location, and GSB’s excellent reputation that made UCT GSB an “obvious choice”.
Students develop leadership, cross-cultural intelligence, and practical experience. International employers actively seek these skills, preparing graduates for careers in South Africa or abroad.
Curious about applying to the UCT GSB CEMS MIM? Read the entrance requirements and learn how to apply.
From Cape Town to the World: Your Next Step
Global leadership today demands more than the right skills. Global leaders require local cultural understanding combined with a global perspective. The UCT GSB CEMS MIM stands apart by embedding African insights into international management education.
Through its experiential learning approach and collaborative partnerships, the UCT GSB MIM is a fertile learning ground at the intersection of local innovation and global strategy. Moreover, this unique balance prepares program graduates to lead confidently in complex, interconnected markets.
For those seeking to study in a program that combines global reach with African relevance, the UCT GSB CEMS MIM offers an unmatched opportunity.
Want to study at UCT GSB? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!
