Porto Business School announces this scholarship program to deepen the connections with South Africa academia and business ecosystem.
In a landmark move, Porto Business School has introduced a $120,000 (2.283,725,05 South African rand) scholarship program to reward young professionals, executive women, exceptional MBA candidates whose GMAT exam score above 700, and Portuguese and Portuguese descendants in South Africa to pursue an MBA abroad, upgrading their professional and personal journey.
José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, furthered this mission with a visit to South Africa in the end of January. This mission visit to South Africa was supported by the Portuguese Ambassy in South Africa, Aicep Portugal Global South African’s delegation and the South African Ambassador to Portugal, Ms. Mmamokwena Gaoretelelwe.
This visit culminated in a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Toutele Agriculture College and AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority), laying groundwork for innovative academic collaborations, including dual diplomas, immersion weeks, joint programs, and student exchanges. In addition, Vision Quest Institute was also a major partner to this visit by providing stakeholders relation support and mentorship building.
This mission was supported by His Majesty King Mathupa Lameck Mokoena and José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, aiming to build a bridge between cultures and economies, advocating mutual benefits, such as collaborative ventures, cultural exchange, and shared knowledge. During the visit to Pretoria, the dean conducted a masterclass for South African leaders on transformational leadership for aspiring Global leaders.
This visit included strategic meetings with influential academic institutions and business representatives, fostering partnerships, which are pivotal to educational and entrepreneurial growth. José Esteves, dean of Porto Business School, met with the Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS), aicep Portugal Global – Trade & Investment Agency and Instituto de Camões. The dean of Porto Business School also met with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training, AGRIseta (Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority), the Portuguese Ambassador, José Costa Pereira, and the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (SAPCC).
José Esteves states: “the Porto Business School's scholarship program stands as a beacon of our dedication to cultivating leadership with a global perspective. It is not just a financial investment; it mirrors our belief in the transformative power of education. We endeavor to weave together the rich cultural fabric of South African and Portuguese legacies, thereby enriching the academic and entrepreneurial spirit across continents.”
In addition, South Africa, where the Portuguese community is one of the largest in the globe, ranging around 450,000 Portuguese and Portuguese descendants, and the African continent generally, are a key focus of growth for Porto Business School. José Esteves, dean of Porto Business School, adds “my recent journey to South Africa was a vibrant mission to sow the seeds of partnership and opportunity. In this visit, it was possible to take significant strides to bridge cultures and economies for mutual prosperity. For instance, by signing the MoU with Toutele Agriculture College and AgriSETA, we have laid the foundation for innovative academic pursuits and synergies. It is through these collaborative ventures, cultural exchanges, and the sharing of knowledge we foster a legacy of shared success and understanding between our nations”.
Finally, towards the end of 2023, the business school launched the Innovation x Hub that fosters innovation and drives positive impact through projects, applied research and educational programs through its Impact Centers, and in collaboration with organizations, entrepreneurs, and academia. Africa Futures Center is one of the impact centers of Innovation X Hub, which works on developing a cross-continental relationship with Africa through innovative partnerships, knowledge exchange and inclusive leadership.
