Unleashing Human Potential: Andrée Simon on Redefining Poverty Solutions for Social Impact

In a compelling fireside chat at the 2025 Social Impact Conference, hosted by the Social Impact Club of London Business School in collaboration with the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development, Andrée Simon, Global CEO of FINCA shared her vision for transforming global capital flows to better serve those most in need. Moderated by Rajesh…

Elias Papaioannou appointed Alexander Knaster Chair in Economics at LBS 

We are pleased to announce that Elias Papaioannou, Professor of Economics and Co-Academic Director of the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development, has been appointed the Alexander Knaster Chair in Economics at London Business School.  Elias Papaioannou is a globally recognised economist and one of the most cited economists of his generation. His research spans…

23rd Africa Business Summit: Designing Africa-Centric Growth Models for 2050

On 31 May 2025, the Africa Business Club at London Business School, with the support of the Wheeler Institute, hosted the 23rd Africa Business Summit under the theme: Designing Africa-centric Growth Models for 2050: 25 Years to Build, 2.5 Billion Futures to Shape. Against a backdrop of mounting global uncertainty and shifting development paradigms, the…

Leadership in a Changing World: Roula Khalaf as the First Female Editor of the Financial Times

With trust in media under pressure and technology reshaping how information is consumed, what does it take to lead one of the world’s most influential media outlets? The Trailblazers series hosted by the Women in Business Club, a fireside chat with Roula Khalaf — the first female and foreign-born Editor of the Financial Times in…

Leadership Lessons and the Future of Colombia: A Conversation with Álvaro Uribe

The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development recently hosted Álvaro Uribe, former President of Colombia, for an evening of reflection on his presidency and insights into the future of Colombian governance. Moderated by journalist and LBS alumna Consuelo Saavedra, the conversation covered topics from democratic security and economic reform to leadership lessons and the complexities…

Micro entrepreneurship – The Beating Heart of Emerging Economies

Microentrepreneurship—the practice of individuals operating small, often informal businesses with limited capital—plays a critical role in economies worldwide. It provides livelihoods, fosters innovation, and builds community resilience.​ At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting…

Immersive Consulting at LBS: Comparing two learning experiences in Africa

At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting opportunities in emerging markets. Both courses allow students to work directly with African entrepreneurs, but their design and delivery highlight different aspects of experiential learning. In a…

Tariffs, Trade Tensions, and the Future of the Global Economy: Insights from the IMF Chief Economist

The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development at London Business School hosted Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a timely and insightful discussion on the shifting global economic landscape. In a world increasingly shaped by trade tensions, geopolitical realignments, and inflation uncertainty, Gourinchas offered an comprehensive overview on global risks…

Responsible AI to support Social Impact

In the face of rapid technological advancements, the Wheeler Institute was delighted to partner with FINCA and host a roundtable focused on the transformative potential of responsible AI in driving social impact. The gathering brought together an impressive group of participants, including academics, business practitioners, and industry experts, to explore the societal implications and ethical…