Henley Africa appointed as official B20 network partner

Henley Business School Africa has been appointed as an official network partner of the Business 20 (B20), the premier business engagement forum of the G20. This partnership positions Henley at the forefront of shaping impactful policy recommendations that address global economic challenges and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.

The B20 serves as a vital platform for the private sector to build consensus and set priorities on policies that influence the global economy. As an official B20 partner, Henley will contribute its academic expertise, research capabilities, and thought leadership to support the development of actionable, business-driven policy proposals for the G20 Summit.

Henley Business School is an international business school and part of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. It has been active in Africa for upwards of three decades and is currently recognised by the Financial Times of London as the top-ranked international business school with a campus in Africa for Executive Education on the continent.

How Henley Business School can shape international business

 Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement, Sub-Saharan Africa) for the University of Reading, says the B20 appointment is a significant milestone for Henley Business School. ‘It underscores our commitment to bridging academia and global economic policy. Through this role, we will leverage our research and global networks to foster dialogue between the private sector and policy makers, helping to shape policies that promote inclusive growth and sustainability worldwide.’

Foster-Pedley will co-chair Henley’s B20 engagement efforts with Pro Dean, Research and Doctoral, Professor Danie Petzer. The two will actively participate in B20 task forces and action councils, contributing to multi-sectoral discussions that reflect the priorities of the global business community. This engagement aligns with the B20’s mission to represent business interests within the G20 framework and to foster impactful public-private collaboration.

‘Being part of the B20 gives us a great chance to bring fresh, research-backed ideas to the table,’ explains Petzer. ‘We’re especially focused on areas like trade, digital innovation, and sustainable business – topics that really matter to today’s global economy. Working alongside business leaders from around the world, we hope to help shape policies that build stronger, fairer economies for everyone.’

Integrating values into public policy

Alongside the appointment as official B20 network partner, Henley Africa is an official supporter of the V20 (Values 20) initiative, a global community of values experts and practitioners that actively engages with the G20 to deepen the understanding of values in public policy. V20 focuses on integrating core values such as solidarity, equality, and sustainable development into policymaking to create more inclusive, ethical, and effective governance. The initiative emphasises the importance of values-based leadership, ethical governance, and human dignity – principles like ubuntu play a key role in shaping behaviours and decisions within the G20 framework.

Foster-Pedley adds that the partnership also offers unique opportunities for Henley students and faculty to engage with global leaders, enriching academic programmes and expanding practical learning experiences. ‘We look forward to having our colleagues from across Henley Business School and the University of Reading share their specialist knowledge, whether in finance, sustainability, digital innovation or trade, to enrich our Task Force inputs.

‘Together, we will ensure that Africa’s voice is heard in the global policy arena, and that the University's and Henley’s scholarship and practical insights help shape international business for a more inclusive, sustainable economic future.’