In an era marked by global instability and ethical challenges in leadership, a new appointment promises to strengthen economic and governance bridges between the United Kingdom and Africa. Dr Alim Abubakre, a renowned figure in international business and leadership development, has joined the Board of the Business Council for Africa (BCA), signalling a significant step towards fortified cross-continental collaboration.
A Voluntary Commitment to Impactful Leadership
What makes Dr Abubakre's appointment particularly noteworthy is its voluntary nature. In a world where board positions are often lucrative, Dr Alim Abubakre serves without financial compensation, reflecting his profound commitment to service over personal gain. His role as Founder and Non-Executive Chair of TEXEM UK is similarly unpaid, demonstrating a consistent philosophy that true leadership is measured by impact, not income.
Through TEXEM UK, which he established over a decade ago, Abubakre has personally shaped the capabilities of more than 4,000 executives. These leaders now occupy influential positions across vital sectors in Nigeria, Kenya, the UAE, Ghana, the UK, and other nations. His work is rooted in the conviction that developing leadership talent is a crucial national asset, not merely a commercial endeavour.
Academic Rigour Meets Real-World Influence
Dr Abubakre's influence extends into academia, where he serves as a Senior Lecturer in International Business at Sheffield Business School. Here, he bridges theory and practice, equipping future leaders with insights drawn from his extensive international experience. His appointment to the Business Council for Africa board aligns perfectly with Sheffield's mission, which recently achieved AACSB re-accreditation, placing it among the elite top six percent of business schools globally.
On his new role, Abubakre stated, "This role is not just a personal honour, but a platform to amplify Sheffield Business School’s mission of transforming lives and organisations through applied knowledge, responsible leadership and global partnerships." Professor Conor Moss, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering, endorsed this view, expressing confidence that Abubakre will leverage his expertise to strengthen UK-Africa business relations.
Global Endorsements for a Strategic Vision
The significance of Dr Abubakre's appointment is echoed by leading international scholars. Professor Christian Stadler of Warwick Business School highlighted Abubakre's unique ability to combine rigorous scholarship with practical executive education, helping leaders convert challenges into long-term advantages. His deep understanding of African markets and his track record of connecting boardrooms from London to Lagos, Nairobi to Cairo, make him an ideal strategic voice for the BCA.
This sentiment is reinforced by Professor Rodria J. Laline of Harvard, who noted that Abubakre's leadership drives positive, structural change that strengthens economic resilience and accelerates institutional reform. These endorsements underscore a shared recognition of Dr Abubakre's rare blend of academic credibility, entrepreneurial influence, and a passion for development that is precisely what is needed in the 21st century.
The Business Council for Africa (BCA), founded in 1956, is one of the UK's oldest institutions focused on African business. With a network of over 30,000 members, it supports policy dialogue, investment, and talent development across the continent. Dr Abubakre joins a board that includes other esteemed leaders like Arnold Ekpe, aiming not for personal advancement but to help cultivate the next generation of African opportunity. His journey challenges leaders everywhere to anchor their purpose in ethics and a vision larger than themselves, proving that legacy is built on the lives we touch and the institutions we strengthen.
