Georgia State Students Work With African Counterparts to Solve Real-World Business Problems

Editor’s note: This sponsored article was written in collaboration with Mourad Dakhli, Associate Dean for International Student Engagement & Partnerships at the Institute of International Business in Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

After a two-year partnership, students from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business and their counterparts at African universities recently “wowed” symposium attendees with their final projects, which included surprising solutions to real-world international business problems.

The students had been working closely with not-so-close counterparts in Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Tunisia through a virtual exchange program, made possible by a two-year Business and International Education (BIE) grant from U.S. Department of Education, which ended in December. 

Through these exchanges, students partnered with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in frontier markets to solve real-world business challenges. The aim of the BIE project was to develop a globally competent workforce by nurturing intercultural collaboration between students and African SMEs. 

Attendees to the final showcase engaged with students and presenters to offer feedback on their projects and explore opportunities for future partnerships. 

“This showcase is an opportunity for industry professionals to connect with the next generation of globally minded entrepreneurs and business leaders who are equipped with practical skills and intercultural experience,” says Mourad Dakhli, Associate Dean for International Student Engagement & Partnerships at Georgia State’s Institute of International Business, who leads the initiative. 

A standout feature of the program was a virtual partnership with the University of Pretoria in South Africa. More than 120 students from Pretoria and 60 Georgia State students worked together in the Fall 2024 semester on projects designed to build cultural competencies that help to solve small business challenges. This collaboration also created professional networks that could extend beyond the formal end of the program.  

Over the grant’s two-year period, more than 400 South African students and 200 GSU students worked collaboratively in international virtual teams on business challenges. 

“This BIE grant allowed our students to gain valuable experience in cross-cultural communication, problem-solving and international business with diverse, global teams,” says Dr. Dakhli. “They worked directly with multiple stakeholders in Africa and in Georgia, learning how to navigate diverse business environments and tackle real-world challenges.” 

The program’s successes are showcased through a dedicated website, Building Cultural Competencies in Turbulent Times through Local and Global Partnerships in Africa, which documents the student virtual exchanges and the outcomes of the partnerships. 

Engaging the Business Community 

In addition to student development, the BIE grant furthered partnerships between Georgia State and business organizations in Atlanta’s international business ecosystem, including with the Atlanta chapter of the U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce, led by GSU alumnus Phillip Karay.  

The Chamber played a critical role in connecting students with industry professionals, hosting events where business leaders could share their expertise and offering insights into cross-border business practices. 

Throughout the grant’s tenure, several Atlanta-based businesses, including Princeton Healthcare and East West Manufacturing, participated in the program. These companies offered mentorship and guidance, providing students with real-world perspectives on business operations in emerging markets. 

“We are excited to have Atlanta’s international business community engage with our students and hear firsthand about the innovative solutions they developed through these virtual exchanges,” said Dr. Dakhli. “This collaborative work highlights the value of cross-border partnerships and demonstrates how young people are contributing to the global business landscape.” 

For more information, contact Dr. Dakhli at mdakhli@gsu.edu.