Nigerian academic Abubakre appointed to UK’s Business Council for Africa board

Dr. Alim Abubakre, a senior lecturer at Sheffield Business School and founder of TEXEM UK, has been named to the Board of the Business Council for Africa (BCA), one of the United Kingdom’s longest-standing organisations dedicated to strengthening business ties with the continent.

The BCA — established in 1956 to promote investment, policy conversations, and capacity development across Africa — confirmed his appointment on its official website. His entry into the board follows the exit of three long-serving directors: David Lamb, Steve Cameron, and Hada Kamara.

Reacting to the appointment, Abubakre described the role as an opportunity to further his work in fostering stronger UK–Africa cooperation, particularly in areas of inclusive development, leadership, and sustainable business practices.

“This is more than a personal milestone,” he said. “It’s a chance to spotlight Sheffield Business School’s commitment to transforming people and organisations through practical knowledge, responsible leadership, and global partnerships. I look forward to contributing to deeper UK–Africa engagements that promote inclusive growth and stronger policy impact.”

He also emphasised that his service to both TEXEM UK and the BCA is voluntary, noting that he views the role as part of his commitment to value-driven leadership and public service.

Over the last decade, TEXEM UK has trained over 4,000 executives—many now in senior roles in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, the UAE, and the UK—in areas such as leadership, institutional strengthening, and decision-making in complex environments.

Abubakre reaffirmed his dedication to convening leaders, strengthening governance systems, and nurturing strategic thinking to help organisations thrive responsibly despite uncertainty.

The BCA praised him as a respected educator and strategist with deep experience in executive education and international business. It highlighted his academic credentials, including a PhD in Strategy from the University of Southampton, an MBA from the University of Leicester, and additional studies at Cambridge and MIT.

The council also noted his extensive speaking engagements at institutions such as the UK House of Commons, the Judicial Office, Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics, as well as his recognition as one of Virgin Media’s Top 100 UK Entrepreneurs.

In his work at TEXEM UK, Abubakre is said to have partnered with leading thinkers around the world to design impactful executive programmes for public and private sector leaders. At Sheffield Business School, he teaches Strategy and Global Supply Chain Management, supervises doctoral researchers, and supports early-career scholars.

He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has earned teaching excellence awards at Coventry University, Nottingham Business School, and Sheffield Business School.

According to the council, Abubakre remains passionate about leadership development, mentorship, and innovation—values that continue to shape his work helping organisations navigate complex environments and achieve sustainable success.