The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has marked a major milestone with the 10th edition of the International Conference on Business Management and Entrepreneurial Development (ICBMED), affirming its leadership in bridging academic research and industry needs in Ghana and beyond.
The two-day conference, held on April 29 and 30, 2025, convened scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and students under the theme: “A Decade of Progress: Bridging Academia and Industry for Business Resilience in Emerging Economies.”
Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, described ICBMED as more than an academic convening.
He portrayed it as a flagship research initiative that represents the university’s long-term vision to align scholarship with real-world impact.
“Through curriculum innovation, business incubation and thought leadership, we have positioned UPSA not just as a teaching institution but as a force shaping national and industry-wide policy,” Professor Mawutor stated.
He noted that UPSA has restructured its programmes to include entrepreneurial training, digital competencies, and real-world business problem-solving.
He also revealed that the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has nurtured over 200 startups, many of which have grown into established enterprises in key sectors.
Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor called on academia and industry to collaborate on translating research into practical innovations, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, and leveraging digital transformation to boost resilience in emerging economies.
Following his remarks, the conference featured an engaging panel discussion at the UPSA Auditorium, where leading voices from education and industry offered insights into closing the gap between the classroom and the boardroom.
Professor Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, highlighted progress in equipping students with job-ready, employable skills.
She stressed the importance of continued investment in practical education that reflects current market demands.
Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), outlined efforts by industry players to foster stronger ties with academic institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits of such partnerships.
From the private sector, David Afflu, Managing Director of GBfoods, urged students to cultivate critical thinking, describing it as a skill that is increasingly demanded by employers.
“In industry, we don’t just look for knowledge,we celebrate those who can apply it critically,” he remarked.
The conference concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Mrs. Juliana Akushika Andoh, lecturer and member of the UPSA protocol team. Citing Proverbs 3:5–6, she acknowledged divine guidance as key to the success of the event.
“We are especially grateful to our industry partners, sponsors, and supporters whose commitment laid the foundation for this conference,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Gbfoods, Hollard, Stanbic Bank, Graphic Communications Group, Galvanised Trading, Access Bank, Woezor TV, GHWeb, Ofi Build, and other partners for their generous support.
Dr Andoh also lauded the keynote speakers, panellists, presenters, and participants, both local and international, for enriching the conference with thought-provoking contributions and dynamic engagement.
She gave special mention to the organising committee, technical teams, and volunteers for their dedication behind the scenes.
What began a decade ago in a small lecture room at UPSA with fewer than 100 participants has evolved into a globally relevant platform for dialogue, research, and policy influence.
As ICBMED marks this 10-year milestone, it signals not only a decade of academic-industry collaboration but also a renewed commitment to shaping resilient, innovation-driven economies in the Global South.
