HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL RECOGNISES MARA AS CASE STUDY FOR AFRICAN BUSINESS SUCCESS

Ashish J Thakkar[/caption] Mara, the pan-African multi sector investment group, has this week joined the likes of Amazon, Apple and The Economist by having its case read at the world famous Harvard Business School (HBS), Massachusetts. Written by HBS Professor Eugene Soltes and Research Associate Sara Hess, Mara’s case is one of very few African businesses to be included in the Harvard’s Executive Education Program. Its inclusion further acknowledges the greater depth in which Western markets are looking at Africa as an exciting frontier market, with huge potential for investment and growth. The case, which is now officially part of the HBS curriculum, was first read on Friday 28th February in the presence of Mara Founder, Ashish J Thakkar, and an audience of over 150 students from more than 40 countries. It now forms part of HBS’ ‘Program for Leadership Development’. Ashish J Thakkar, Founder of Mara Group and Mara Foundation, said: “It’s such a great honour for Mara to be recognised by Harvard Business School as a case study of best practice in African business. I feel proud and humbled to see Mara flying the flag for what I believe is the world’s most exciting and dynamic continent. “Mara is only one example of many businesses that are thriving in Africa. I hope its inclusion in the HBS curriculum goes some way to encouraging further foreign investment in Africa.” Earlier this year, US President Barak Obama revealed plans to host a US-Africa summit in August to further strengthen ties with “one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions”, where the Sub-Saharan region alone witnessed a 5% growth in GDP over the past three years. Not only are economies growing and diversifying across the region, Africa is also seeing greater political stability, a surge in foreign direct investment and improving regional cooperation. The HBS case method has been pioneered by the HBS faculty and is one of the highlights of the HBS experience. It is designed to be a profound educational innovation that presents the greatest challenges confronting leading companies, nonprofits, and governmental organisations. Through the case method, students become adept at analysing issues, exercising judgment, and making difficult decisions. Copies of the case can be purchased from: http://hbr.org/product/mara-group/an/114060-PDF-ENG Mara Group is a pan-African multi-sector business with extensive operating experience in both African and international markets. Mara’s current investments and operations span technology, financial services, manufacturing, real estate and agriculture. The Group is currently active in 19 African countries and 21 countries worldwide. Mara possesses in-depth knowledge and unrivalled expertise in Africa. Its approach to business is built around creating value for its shareholders, whilst ensuring a genuine and lasting impact on the communities in which it operates. In 2009, Mara Group founded the Mara Foundation to foster and support entrepreneurs through mentorship and venture philanthropy. Mara has been recognised as a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum.]]>