New seminar with excursion to Nairobi
Global sustainability challenges require management skills that operate across cultural, political, and ecological contexts. Yet academic training in economics and management still focuses predominantly on European environments. This leaves future business leaders with limited exposure on how sustainability transitions unfold in other regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
This seminar enables students to move outside this box and understand how African businesses and communities navigate sustainability transitions and develop context-appropriate innovations using Kenya as the learning context. The country offers a dynamic landscape shaped by rapid economic growth, environmental pressures, and vibrant social entrepreneurship. By combining theoretical foundations with field-based experience, the seminar allows students to explore alternative models of resource management, circular economy solutions, renewable energy initiatives, and social entrepreneurship.
During the preparatory phase, students engage with sustainability management theories, systems thinking, and transition frameworks. Based on briefing documents from Kenyan partner organisations, groups develop project ideas and examine real sustainability challenges. In Kenya, students participate in:
- Visits to local businesses, NGOs, and sustainability initiatives
- Workshops with entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community partners
- Lectures by Kenyan researchers and experts
- Cultural activities fostering intercultural understanding
The excursion to Kenya will take place in late August to early September of 2026. Students will analyse the technical, social, and environmental context of their project, interact with partners, and propose evidence-based solutions. After returning, they prepare reflective essays and group presentations linking empirical insights with theory.
For the excursion we are currently in the process of acquiring funding, which will be available to participants, however at this point the amount is to be determined. Total costs are going to be arond 1500€. For further questions please contact krebs@wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de
The seminar is offered by the Chair of Sustainability Management in cooperation with the UNESCO-Chair for Entrepreneurship and Intercultral Management. It can be accredited to the Modules "Corporate Sustainability", "Entrepreneurship for Sustainability Transitions" and others on request.
Interested students can apply until 15 January 2026 via this link.
