ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the management education started in Africa, and it uses the University of Timbuktu in the ancient kingdom of Mali as an example. It looks at the promises and prospects of management education in Africa, looking specifically at the promise holds to contribute to the development of the continent by educating the managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders the continent need. Most of the modern-day management and business schools in Africa are located in South Africa. Specifically, management education had the promise of contributing to an increase in labour productivity, entrepreneurial energy, enhancement of the quality of life, social mobility, and the economic development of the continent. At critical juncture, it is time for African policy makers and leaders to engage in deep introspection, engaging in self-reflection of the positives and negatives. External bilateral and multilateral donors are also to blame for the failed prospects of management education contributing effectively to the growth and development efforts of the continent.
