FS MBA students from Kinshasa on campus

The last two weeks, the MBA for Executives students from Kinshasa stayed in Frankfurt and gained insight into German companies and banks. During their stay, the students visited ODDO BHF, BASF and KfW and learned more about their business models and activities. Lectures and networking events on Frankfurt School campus were also part of the stay. Last Tuesday the students from Kinshasa and the Frankfurt EMBA students participated together in a workshop conducted by Moody’s. The 54 participants gained insights in the methodology of ratings and simulated a rating by themselves. Afterwards both groups got together at a barbecue on the Executive Lounge terrace where they had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network.

Some students’ voices on the MBA for Executive programme in Kinshasa.

Monique Gieskes, Managing Director, Vlisco Group DRC:

“I was looking for an MBA-programme in Congo with an international level and grading. There are not many high-level education opportunities for executives in Congo and so this was a great chance. What I personally like about this MBA is its high level. It challenges and triggers you with many case studies and interactive elements. My favourite course during the two weeks was ‘Management Made in Germany’ about the ‘Mittelstand’ success story of family companies going global. It’s fascinating to see how these companies work and how they became the backbone of the German economy.”

Quentin Kayumba, Relationship Manager, Corporate Department, FBN Bank DRC:

“I studied in France and came to Congo in 2011. I was looking for professional education and had the opportunity to go back to France but then I heard of this MBA-programme in DRC. I want to help building up a thriving Congo and so I took this chance because I did not want to leave the country. My expectations towards this programme have been exceeded. Vision and will are the requirements to build your own company, but without the skills you cannot make it. Frankfurt School helped me to see further, to see the bigger picture. This is what I have been missing.”

Allegra Fosh, Project Analyst, Fonds de Promotion de l'industrie; Entrepreneur:

“I want to make my own business great and to do so I need to have good leadership and finance skills. I created my company in 2015 and now we are ten people making bread. My plan is to establish a franchise. What I like about the MBA for Executives at Frankfurt School is the close contact to specialists. With their help, we can improve our ideas and business plans. My wish is that more executives take part in this programme, because well-educated managers play an important role for a better future in Congo.”

Jean Cleaude Binwha, Financial Manager, Vlisco Group DRC:

“At Frankfurt School you do not only get the required skills and training to be successful. You also learn that the growth in the German `Mittelstand` is a lot about company-culture: People feel like an important part of the firm and not only a means to an end. In Congo, this is not the case. You regularly change the business you’re working for and have no attachment to the company. I want to establish my own business, build on good rules and trust. I have learned that this company-culture is key to success.”

More about the Executive MBA in Kinshasa

The MBA for Executives in Kinshasa is a part-time MBA designed for experienced business executives. The duration of the programme is 18 months and takes place in Kinshasa. Part of the programme is the above-mentioned two-week-stay at Frankfurt School’s new campus with EMBA students from Frankfurt. Other key features of the Frankfurt School MBA in Kinshasa are international professors teaching in Kinshasa, a strong alumni community in DRC and Europe, personal leadership coaching and the possibility to combine your studies with the professional life as executives.