The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has marked a major milestone in its academic journey with the successful hosting of the 10th edition of the International Conference on Business Management and Entrepreneurial Development (ICBMED), drawing attention to the urgent need for stronger collaboration between academia and the business world in Africa.
Held from April 29 to 30, 2025, the two-day conference brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and the startup ecosystem under the theme: “A Decade of Progress: Bridging Academia and Industry for Business Resilience in Emerging Economies.”
The event provided a platform for dialogue on how universities can do more than teach—they can shape policy, spark innovation, and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Opening the event, UPSA Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, positioned ICBMED not just as a research platform, but a strategic tool for transforming knowledge into impact. He spotlighted UPSA’s efforts over the years—ranging from revamped curricula to support for over 200 startups through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“The next frontier is not just about more research, but more relevant research that responds to Africa’s business challenges,” Prof. Mawutor said. He called for bold efforts to translate academic knowledge into enterprise development and policy reform.
Prof. George Oduro, the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, represented the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, as the special guest of honour.
The conference featured several panel engagements with influential voices from education and industry. Prof. Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, emphasized reforms aimed at ensuring students are more employable and future-ready. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, described existing efforts to strengthen academia-industry ties, citing growing internship and collaborative research programs. David Afflu, Managing Director of GBfoods, encouraged students to develop critical thinking skills that are valued in today’s dynamic work environments.
Participants at ICBMED@10 engaged in sessions covering a wide range of topics, from entrepreneurship ecosystems and business resilience to digital transformation and cross-border collaboration in research. The atmosphere was both celebratory and purposeful—marking a decade of impact while setting the agenda for the future.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Mrs. Juliana Akushika Andoh, a lecturer at UPSA and member of the organizing team, paid glowing tribute to all contributors—speakers, participants, sponsors, and volunteers. She quoted Proverbs 3:5–6 to underscore the role of faith in the success of the conference.
“From humble beginnings, we have grown ICBMED into a global platform. We’re grateful to everyone who believed in the vision,” she said. “We’re grateful to Radio Univers, Ofi, Builditsisters Events and More, GB Foods, Compu GH, Hollard, Bel-Aqua, G, Woezor TV, Golden Tree, Cowbell Coffee, Isaac Glavi Trading, Laris Eateries and Events, and Corell Packaging.”
Now in its 10th year, ICBMED has become a symbol of what is possible when research, policy, and business come together. With calls for more cross-sector collaboration echoing throughout the conference, UPSA’s message was clear: the next decade must be about action, innovation, and measurable impact in emerging economies.
