Nigerian scholar Abubakre joins UK’s Business Council for Africa board

A Nigerian senior lecturer at Sheffield Business School and founder of TEXEM UK, Dr Alim Abubakre, has joined the Board of the Business Council for Africa (BCA), one of the United Kingdom’s oldest Africa-focused business networks.

Founded in 1956, the council supports policy dialogue, investment, and talent development across the continent.

A statement on the council’s website confirmed his appointment, which comes as the council recently bid farewell to three directors—David Lamb, Steve Cameron, and Hada Kamara—whose tenures ended after long and meritorious service.

Announcing his appointment in a statement on Thursday, Abubakre said the role would advance efforts to deepen UK–Africa collaboration on inclusive growth, policy impact, and sustainable business practices.

“This role is not just a personal honour, but a platform to amplify Sheffield Business School’s mission of transforming lives and organisations through applied knowledge, responsible leadership, and global partnerships.

“I am excited to contribute to strengthening UK–Africa collaborations that will shape inclusive growth, policy impact, and sustainable business practices,” he said.

He noted that his contributions to BCA and TEXEM UK are without remuneration, describing the decision as a values-driven approach to leadership and public service.

According to Abubakre, over the past decade, TEXEM UK has trained more than 4,000 executives in leadership, institutional strengthening, and decision-making in complex environments, many of whom now occupy senior roles across the public and private sectors in Nigeria, Kenya, the UAE, Ghana, and the UK.

He reiterated his commitment to convening leaders, improving governance standards, and promoting strategic thinking to help organisations deliver results with integrity in uncertain times.

The Business Council for Africa described Abubakre as “an educator, strategist, and advocate for leadership development with experience in international business and executive education.”

It said he “holds a PhD in Strategy from the University of Southampton and an MBA from the University of Leicester, with further studies at Cambridge University and MIT.”

The council added, “He has spoken and chaired sessions at the UK House of Commons and the Judicial Office, Cambridge University, Oxford, and the London School of Economics,” and noted that he was “selected among the Virgin Media Top 100 promising UK Entrepreneurs.”

Speaking on his role at TEXEM UK, the council said, “As Founder and Non-Executive Chair, he has collaborated with global thought leaders to design executive development programmes that empower business and government leaders.”

At Sheffield Business School, it added, “He directs two courses, teaches Global Supply Chain Management and Strategy, mentors doctoral candidates, and supports early-career academics.”

The council also noted that he “has contributed to strategic planning and professional development initiatives as Director of Strategy at TIEC” and highlighted that he is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy who “has received awards for teaching excellence at Coventry, Nottingham Business School, and Sheffield Business School.”

On his overall work, the council said, “He is passionate about lifelong learning and collaboration” and is committed to “mentoring, leadership development, and fostering innovation.”

It added that his work “empowers individuals and organisations to navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable success through strategic insights and shared knowledge.”