MBA for African Entrepreneurs: Propel Your Business with Liwaza

The MBA is not just a diploma. For the entrepreneur, it's a complete transformation.

1. A new way of thinking about business

Before the MBA, many technical entrepreneurs think 'solution first.' After the MBA, they think 'problem first, market next, then solution.'

As one entrepreneur supported by Liwaza explains: 'When I had a problem, I thought tech solution. Now I think system: who are the stakeholders? How to align them? What's the real value created?'

2. Mastering finance

Every entrepreneur must understand finance. Not just the basics, but really understand:

• How to read a VC term sheet
• Why fundraising can ruin you
• How to structure a deal that protects you

Striking example: Microsoft only raised $1 million before its IPO. Bill Gates kept control. Facebook raised billions, but founders were often diluted.

3. International network

This is perhaps the most valuable asset. After an MBA, you have contacts in every country, every sector, every function.

'When you're African, you're not white. You need a network that opens doors everywhere: Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, China, United States, everywhere.'

4. Instant credibility

An INSEAD or Harvard diploma opens doors that remained closed. Investors, clients, partners take you seriously differently.

If you're an African entrepreneur, we recommend only two MBAs. The others are a waste of time and money.

INSEAD

Why INSEAD is ideal for African entrepreneurs:

• 10-month format: Minimizes time out of market
• Unmatched diversity: 90+ nationalities, global exposure
• Multiple campuses: France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi
• Global network: Active alumni on all continents
• Practical approach: Focus on immediate application

INSEAD has produced entrepreneurs like the founders of BlaBlaCar, Qonto, and many others.

Harvard Business School

Why Harvard for entrepreneurs:

• The most powerful network in the world
• Maximum credibility: The Harvard brand opens all doors
• Boston ecosystem: Proximity to MIT, startups, VCs
• Entrepreneurial resources: Rock Center, I-Lab

Why not the others?

London Business School: Excellent but network limited to UK

HEC Paris: Very good for France and francophone world, but limited reach

Wharton, Stanford: Excellent but American focus, hard to return to Africa

The rule: choose a school with a global network, not regional. Your business will be international.

A post-MBA revelation shared by many entrepreneurs: Africa is the best place to build a business.

The problem with the West

In Europe or the United States, you have two options:

1. Niches nobody wants: Difficult jobs, unattractive sectors
2. Ultra-innovation: AI, biotech, with huge barriers

In between? Nothing. Everything is already taken. Growth is at zero.

The African opportunity

In Africa, opportunities are everywhere:

• Limited credit access → Fintech
• Infrastructure under construction → Logistics, energy
• Growing middle class → Retail, services
• Underexploited agriculture → Agritech
• Developing healthcare → Healthtech

'In our countries, there's so much to do. The moment you come with something pragmatic, it works.'

The Chinese approach

Chinese entrepreneurs succeed in Africa because they're pragmatic. No over-engineering. Simple solutions that work.

This is the approach the MBA teaches you: identify a real problem, build a viable solution, scale pragmatically.

The MBA network in Africa

After your MBA, your classmates will be:

• Bank directors
• Private equity partners
• Large company executives
• Senior civil servants

This network is your most valuable capital for building business in Africa.

Frequent question from entrepreneurs: 'Can I continue my business during the MBA?'

The format reality

An MBA like INSEAD is intensive:

• Core courses (4-5 months): Impossible to do anything else
• Electives (rest of program): More flexibility

Our advice: don't try to optimize the past

'What you're already doing, you already know how to do. That's the past. The MBA is the future. Focus on the new opportunities that will appear.'

During the MBA:

• Talk about your projects with everyone
• Listen to feedback from classmates (finance, strategy, operations)
• Identify collaboration opportunities
• Prepare your next project, not the current one

Real time investment

For preparation (before MBA):

• 1 hour per day on weekdays
• 3 hours on weekends for practice tests

This is compatible with an active entrepreneurial activity.

The age question

If you're an entrepreneur with an established business, you're probably 30+. Be careful:

• Average MBA age: 27-29 years
• Beyond 33-34 years: admission becomes harder

Don't wait too long.

Financing an MBA as an entrepreneur presents specific challenges but also opportunities.

Total budget

• Tuition fees: €80,000-100,000
• Living expenses: €20,000-30,000
• Total: €100,000-130,000

The 3-tier strategy

1. Personal savings: €18,000-25,000 minimum
2. Scholarships: €35,000-50,000 (via multi-school negotiation)
3. Loan: The rest

The entrepreneur advantage: company treasury

If your company has cash, you can potentially:

• Have fees invoiced to your company
• Benefit from tax deductions
• Ask the school for an invoice in your company's name

⚠️ Important: Don't mention this during the scholarship process. Wait for admission.

Payment terms

Schools generally offer:

• Staggered payment
• Negotiable schedule
• No full upfront payment

ROI for entrepreneurs

The MBA doesn't pay back in salary (you're an entrepreneur). It pays back in:

• Deals facilitated by the network
• Fundraising with credibility
• Strategic partnerships
• Skills that avoid costly mistakes

An entrepreneur supported by Liwaza: 'What I saved by avoiding a bad fundraising round paid for my MBA.'

Liwaza has developed specific support for African entrepreneurs.

Adapted GRE preparation

Our approach recognizes you're busy:

• 1 hour per day: GRE articles + exercises + speaking
• Weekends: Practice tests (3 hours)
• Every 2 weeks: Debrief with coach

In 5-6 months, you have your score.

Entrepreneur coaches

Our team includes coaches who have:

• Done INSEAD or Harvard
• Created businesses
• Raised funds
• Known failures and successes

They understand your constraints and objectives.

The 'entrepreneur' application

Your application must show:

• Your entrepreneurial impact (quantified)
• Your post-MBA vision (not just 'grow my business')
• What you'll bring to the class
• Why MBA now

Our coaches help you articulate this story.

The Liwaza community

By joining Liwaza, you join a community of African entrepreneurs:

• Experience sharing
• Collaboration opportunities
• Network before even the MBA

The ultimate goal

As one entrepreneur from our community says: 'The goal isn't the diploma. It's having the skills and network to transform Africa. The MBA is just a tool.'