In August, I left Dakar, Senegal with a full and content heart—deeply enriched by a retreat that fostered profound connections, thoughtful introspection, a ton of laughter, and invaluable lessons in doing hard things. This experience was shared with my African Leadership University School of Business (ALUSB) Class of 2019 family as we celebrated our 5th year anniversary since graduating in Kigali, Rwanda.
Senegal's beauty is truly indescribable, with its eclectic cultural tapestry shaped by the influences of various foreign and continental visitors who traversed its shores on Gorée Island before, during, and after the Atlantic slave trade. Despite the tragic history associated with its shores, Senegal gave us a diverse array of rich, vibrant, and colourful experiences that left a lasting impression on us.
Dakar was abuzz with excitement and construction due to the recent election of Africa's youngest President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As a diverse pan-Africa group, we were eager to learn about Senegal's business landscape, arts, culture, and general outlook.
With representation from Cameroon, Ghana, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, our group of 16 shared a sense of unity and exploration as we ventured into different parts of the country in Dakar, on Gorée Island, and in Saly.
Looking ahead, we are committed to fostering the pan-African spirit of our MBA program by exploring and retreating to other destinations across the continent in the years to come.
Jërëjëf and until we meet again, inshallah.