2009 MARKS IAABD’s 10TH ANNIVERSARY:
A MESSAGE from IAABD President
Welcome IAABD members, the executive committee, Board of Directors, and founding members, and guests to IAABD’s 10th Anniversary. A decade ago Professors Sonny Nwankwo, Alphonso Ogbuehi, Joseph Ayiku, Robert Rugimbana, Ben Oumlil, William Darley, Frank Manu, and about 100 inaugural members gathered in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, formed IAABD “to serve as a distinct forum for intellectuals of all persuasions to discuss, analyze, and advance solutions to Africa’s business and development challenges, resulting in a better understanding of the policy and strategic alternatives necessary to sustain Africa’s business and economic development within the global framework.” The objectives of IAABD are to (a) “foster functional education (b) broaden and deepen global understanding of the various challenges facing African business and development leaders, and (c) advance alternative solutions to Africa’s business and economic challenges.”
In 2009, we gather at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Kampala, Uganda to commemorate the founding of IAABD. Indeed, our 10th year anniversary International Conference represents a particularly meaningful milestone in the growth of IAABD, including community of committed scholars, leading-edge knowledge, and sustained advancement. Since its inaugural Conference, IAABD membership has been growing geometrically. Thus, it is with great pleasure that we reflect on the numerous members and generous institutions around the world that have hosted and contributed immensely to the growth and success of IAABD for the past ten years. They are Saint Joseph’s University, PA, USA (2000 and 2001); University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa (2002); University of Westminister, London (2003); Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA (2004); University of Dar Es Salem, Tanzania (2005); Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Accra (2006); London Metropolitan University, London (2007); University of Florida, Gainesville, USA (2008 ), and MUBS (2009). Unequivocally, IAABD could not be what it is today without their efforts and generosity. And a growing number of institutions vying to host IAABD International Conference has never been better. Without a doubt, together we have built an IAABD brand that has become one of the most preeminent professional organizations that deals with African business and development issues through Annual International Conference, paper presentations, quality research, and journal publications. Our collective dedication and commitment to produce quality research and publications in array of African business and development challenges has significantly improved.
Because IAABD was born with a view of bringing together scholars interested in education, research, and publications that address African business and development issues over the course of a decade, IAABD has:
- published over 15,000 peer reviewed articles and presentations dealing with African business and development issues and challenges;
- built a reputable international journal – Journal of African Business under the leadership and Editorship of Professor Kofi Dadzie;
- grown from the initial membership of 100 to over 400 strong;
- through its hosts supports awarded over 100 scholarships to scholars in Africa to attend IAABD Annual conferences
The aforesaid achievements could not have been possible without the contributions from the founding fathers, members, institutions, and numerous corporate sponsors to mention but a few. For African business and development, the future looks increasingly challenging and daunting and IAABD will be there to offer its contributions. With your dedication and commitment to cutting-edge research and publications, IAABD will continue to support the repositioning of African business and development within the global framework. As we look forward to the future, it is exciting to share with you a few of our major initiatives for 2010 and beyond will include:
- Establishing IAABD Scholarship Foundation for new and emerging African scholars – to help address the declining number of PhDs in African universities
- Implementing of book and journal drive for African Universities
- implementing production of conference communiqué to be disseminated to various African governments
- deepening its membership drive to other African states that have not been part of this great Academy
- implementing partnership with NGOs and civic society organizations tackling business and development issues in Africa
- implementing IAABD Roundtable
- introduction of new international journals – International Journal of African Development Issues (IJADI) (which will accept manuscripts in the areas of agriculture, economics, education, healthcare, political science, international affairs/relations, political economy, poverty alleviation, transportation, and others pertaining to development) and African Business Review (ABR)
Our sincere gratitude to MUBS, Professor Waswa Balunywa, MUBS Principal; Ms. Serina Bukenya, Conference Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sejjaaka and Professor John Munene, Conference Co-Chairs; Conference Planning Committees (Finances, Promotions, & Sponsorship; 10th Anniversary & Entertainment Committee; Conference Program & Follow-up Committee; and Transport, Welfare & Logistics); Erina Ejjingo, Editor - MUBS News; numerous volunteers; supporters; and sponsors for making today a momentous and a memorable occasion. Indeed, IAABD cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and priceless efforts you brought to bear to host an outstanding Anniversary Conference. Finally, I am appreciative of Professor Kofi Dadzie, JAB Editor, Professor Yaw Debra and Dr. Emmanuel Obuah, Co-Program Chairs; and Dr. Simon Sigue, Proceedings Editor, Professor Nana Owusu-Frimpong, VP; Professor Anita Spring, Executive Secretary; Dr. Allan Katwalo,VP for Membership; and Dr. Tom Umoh, VP for Commuincation, numerous track chairs and reviewers for their altruistic and outstanding service to IAABD.
IT’S ALL ABOUT IAABD.
Professor Chris I. Enyinda, PhD; PhD
IAABD PRESIDENT