Xavier Institute of Management and Research (XIMR) Mumbai was established in August 2006 as the newest member of the Jesuit institutions of higher learning in India that includes XLRI, XIMB, and LIBA. We are located in the St. Xavier’s College Campus, Mumbai.

We offer the two-year, full-time, Master of Management Studies (MMS) in affiliation with the University of Mumbai. We differentiate our course on the basis of a unique curriculum that combines liberal arts with management education, providing a holistic global perspective to our students.

Our core curriculum incorporates value-added courses such as International Relations, Spanish, Comparative Religion, Philosophy, International Management, Cross Cultural Management etc.

Character, Competence, Commitment are the three cornerstones on which the Xavier Institute of Management Research stands. Xavier Institute of Management and Research has always placed Jesuit values and ethics as the central component of management education.

XAVIER INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH IN ASSOCIATION WITH MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL INAUGURATES THE

“CENTRE FOR AFRICA STUDIES”

ON THE 20^TH JANUARY 2011

RATIONALE

Africa accounts for almost 15 percent of the total world population. The vast mineral and other natural resources, most of which are untapped, as well as 60 percent of the world’s cultivable arable land provide immense growth opportunities for not just global markets but also Africa itself. The continent has witnessed a significant improvement in political stability and quality of governance along with economic growth which has been around 5 percent in the recent past.

India’s exports to Africa have grown at an annual CAGR of 20 percent since 1990, more rapidly compared to China which grew at 16 percent, Brazil 13 percent, U.S.A. 7 percent, EU 6.5 percent, UK 4.5 percent and Japan 4.6 percent. The ministry of commerce and industry expects the bilateral trade with Africa to double to $70 billion whereas the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India expect the trade to surpass $150 billion. South Africa is the primary trade partner in Africa accounting for one fifth of the total along with Kenya, Mauritius and Tanzania accounting for a cumulated one third, Egypt at 16 percent and Nigeria at 12 percent.

India has extended more than $3 billion of concessional lines of credit to African nations. During the 2009 India-Africa Business Partnership Summit in New Delhi, India committed to make $5.4 billion in credit available over the next 5 years. In the same period, India would also allocate $500 million for projects in higher and vocational education, science, IT, agriculture and renewable energy. Indian investments in Africa are believed to be more transparent and socially beneficial than the Chinese.

About 2 million people of Indian descent live in Africa; many of them run their own businesses. India has a good reputation in Africa. Indian diaspora networks are strongest in South Africa and East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), facilitating Indian Companies’ access to these markets. Most Indian companies in Africa acquire established businesses and procure supplies from local and international markets, engaging in sales to private African entities and encouraging local integration of their workforce.

In November 2009, the member states of the East African Community (EAC) - Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda signed a common market protocol aimed at expanding the existing customs union to allow goods to freely move across the region. The bloc has an estimated population of 126.2 million and a gross domestic product of at least $60 billion. It aims to have a monetary union in 2012 to eventually transform into a political federation.

THE INDIAN ADVANTAGE

Indian companies are able to use their low cost domestic production and design bases as strengths to extend their businesses operations.

Indian companies have a competitive advantage in certain technologies such as non fading dyes that stand up to bright sun light which can be advantageous in Africa.

The ability to create low cost versions of products developed and marketed for the poorer consumers at the bottom of the pyramid, which can be modified and adapted to compete successfully in Africa.

Indian Companies can reduce the “costs of foreignness” by taking advantage of cultural and institutional affinities between Africa and Asia that reduces the costs and risks of operating in these countries.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE

The “Centre For Africa Studies” at XIMR aims to establish itself as an apex body of academics and culture with realism to develop courses and research that will lead to an understanding and appreciation of African business environment and context, for students and Indian Businesses.

The centre will have strategic focus on the emerging regions of Africa. We believe the Indian Multinationals will have location-based and company-based strategic advantage in these regions.

The centre aims to serve as a bridge between the people and cultures of India and Africa, and contribute to the economic and social development of both. This is possible on account of the cultural similarities with Africa in terms of shared administrative language and colonial heritage. Also, administrative similarities in terms of institutional structure will help reduce the “cost of foreignness” for Indian companies.

The Centre for Africa Studies will carry out in-depth cultural, social and marketing analysis of Africa with a General Management perspective. Immersion studies will be an integral part of the pedagogy for students and corporate members. The centre will launch:

1. Certificate Programs
2. In-company tailored programs for corporate professionals in due course.