International Executive Development Programme
Immersive. Exploratory. Transformational.
Aimed to build future-fit organisations by preparing current and future leaders for an increasingly interconnected and globalised world
AFRICA TO THE WORLD
In an era of unprecedented disruption, African leaders are under pressure to turn global challenges into competitive advantages. The International Executive Development Programme (IEDP) 2026 is a transformative journey for visionary decision-makers ready to shape what comes next. Moving well beyond theory, the programme offers firsthand exposure to world-leading innovation ecosystems in Singapore and Malaysia, alongside expert faculty engagement, immersive teaching methods, and a real-time business simulation. Guided by renowned academics and industry practitioners, you will strengthen your strategic foresight to navigate geopolitical shifts, harness technological disruption, and build resilient, future-ready organisations. Under the 2026 theme, “Leading African Competitiveness in a Disrupted World”, IEDP equips you with a practical blueprint to lead African businesses confidently on the global stage.
What you will walk away with
By the end of IEDP 2026, you will leave with:
- Sharper ability to interpret global trends, anticipate risk, and spot opportunity for African competitiveness.
- Direct lessons from Singapore and Malaysia’s innovation ecosystems.
- Confidence built through a live business simulation that mirrors the complexity of real markets.
- Actionable models from expert faculty sessions to drive innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in your organisation.
- Learning grounded in domestic site visits to South African organisations advancing technology and strategy.
- Leadership that sticks through concepts embedded through dynamic case studies, interactive modules, and gamified learning experiences.
- A powerful pan-African network
LEARN FROM THE WORLD
International exposure for transformative advancement.
Our programme is designed to challenge, inform and grow. It is educational but intensive, and inspirational while inviting delegates to step out of their comfort zones. While staying true to our mission of taking Africa to the world.
The experience of a lifetime
A plethora of networking opportunities
Programme Overview
Exposure to global innovation and best-practice
Performance & Legacy
- Develop a robust framework for personal governance to mitigate bias and ensure accountable decision-making at the highest level.
- Build strategies for sustaining personal and team resilience amidst high-stakes pressure and volatility.
- Shift from operational leadership to legacy building, designing a purposeful impact that endures beyond your tenure.
Understanding & Navigating the Geopolitical Environment
- Decode global power shifts and their direct impact on trade, supply chains, and investment flows into Africa.
- Develop strategies to build organisational resilience against geopolitical shocks and leverage new opportunities.
Innovation, AI & Technology Leadership
- Move beyond hype to strategy: understand the practical application of AI, Web 3.0/4.0, and IoT for competitive advantage.
- Learn to foster a culture of innovation and lead digital transformation initiatives that deliver ROI.
ESG & Sustainable Business as a Competitive Edge
- Reframe ESG from a compliance cost to a strategic driver of value, talent attraction, and market positioning.
- Evaluate the impact of energy transitions and circular economy models on long-term business viability.
Cybersecurity & The Digital Threat Landscape
- Transition from risk recognition to strategic action: learn to build a resilient organisational posture against evolving cyber threats.
- Understand the board's role in cybersecurity oversight and governance.
Leading Transformation in Volatility
- Master the principles of adaptive strategy and learn to lead people through complex, disruptive change.
- Build a future-proof workforce and cultivate leadership talent capable of thriving in uncertainty.
Delegate Profile:
- C-suite Executives & Corporate Strategists
- Senior Leaders in Government / SOEs
- General Managers or Head of major business units
- Group/Country Directors of Multinationals
- Executives slated for succession into the C-Suite
- Business Owners & Entrepreneurs who run medium to large companies
Learning Lab Dates:
- Learning Lab 1: Sunday, 5 July - Thursday, 9 July 2026 (Cape Town)
- Learning Lab 2: Monday, 3 August - Thursday, 6 August 2026 (Cape Town)
- Learning Lab 3: Saturday, 19 September - Sunday, 27 September 2026 (Singapore & Malaysia)
- Learning Lab 4: Monday, 26 October - Wednesday, 28 October 2026 (Cape Town)
Global best Practice. Local growth.
Cape Town
The best way to make our delegates feel welcome before embarking on their international expedition is by hosting them at our home: the historic Breakwater Campus. Nestled near Cape Town’s iconic waterfront, this unique setting offers a rich blend of history and culture. The proximity to the city’s original docks makes for a memorable induction, providing an inspiring start to the global experience that lies ahead. The campus's location reflects Cape Town’s vibrant energy, ensuring delegates are immersed in the heart of a world-class city from day one.
International Immersion
The international immersion provides participants with a unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives through exposure to global business environments. By gaining insights from real-world international case studies and networking with global business leaders, participants develop a unique perspective on cutting-edge strategies that have the potential to drive meaningful change in their own organisations and industries.
What our clients say
Learn from the best
Programme Convenor
Manager: Business Development
Manager: Executive Education Recruitment
Ready to take on the world?
Enquire now to give yourself the GSB advantage
FAQ
No. The IEDP is designed around a unique topical theme each year, and the destinations and companies are selected to align with that theme. Future programmes will therefore choose locations that best support their specific focus for that year.
Our IEDP takes place on an annual basis – typically towards the end of a calendar year. But enquiries and applications are open throughout the year.
Yes. Delegates of this programme will be awarded with an official UCT GSB certificate in recognition of their having completed the International Executive Education Programme.
The IEDP will appeal to established and aspiring multinational or large organsiations, as well as ambitious and successful SMEs with their eyes on international best practice and networking, or global esxpansion. While each programme is themed, the core modules and teachings of the IEDP will apply to a broad range of industries and sectors.