Henley Business School ranked in the top 25 globally, leads for satisfaction in Africa

Henley Business School, an international business school with a campus in South Africa for more than three decades, has ranked in the top 25 in the world for its customised and open executive education programmes and in the top three in Africa in the 2025 Financial Times annual rankings, published on 2 June. Its customised programmes have climbed seven places this year to reach 22 in the world, despite increased competition, with five new entrants in the rankings.  

Part of the University of Reading, Henley is one of just six business schools active in Africa to feature in this prestigious annual ranking, regarded as the leading benchmark of quality and relevance for global business schools. There were 119 business schools taking part in the FT executive education rankings this year. 

Henley ranked top in the world once again for faculty diversity and is rated by its clients joint No.1 for overall satisfaction among schools with African delivery, sharing the top spot with Essec Business School (France/Singapore/Morocco).  

Rankings reflect Henley's strong global network 

‘We are committed to delivering meaningful impact with public and private sector clients, and this is reflected in the rising satisfaction rates,’ said Linda Buckley, Pro-Dean: Teaching and Learning and Student Experience at Henley Africa. ‘The strength of our global network is once again evident, through continuing to rank number one in the world for faculty diversity on our customised programmes and third for international clients. This highlights the value of fostering a broad spectrum of perspectives, enabling students to experience a rich and inclusive learning environment that connects insights from four continents.’ 

Buckley expressed gratitude to the school’s partners across both public and private sectors, acknowledging their role in securing this prestigious recognition for Henley. The rankings, shaped largely by direct insights from business school clients, place significant emphasis on satisfaction – making up nearly 80% of the overall evaluation. Additional elements, such as the effectiveness of teaching approaches and the extent of post-programme engagement, also contribute to the final standing.  

‘It is a privilege to be entrusted to work with so many of the continent’s top organisations to inspire and upskill their people. Together we are building the people, who build the businesses, that build Africa,’ said Buckley. 

‘This success has been built on a steadfast commitment to Henley’s mission to deliver education that truly works and creates value in Africa, for Africans,’ added Henley Africa dean and director, Jon Foster-Pedley. ‘Empowering Africa through education that transforms, innovates, and endures—building not just knowledge, but capability, is at the essence of what we aim to achieve. 

‘While the Financial Times rankings aren’t the only way to judge a great business school, they’re a trusted and influential measure of quality. Seeing ourselves reflected in these rankings shows we’re firmly grounded in best practices, which gives us the confidence to keep innovating and focus on equipping future business leaders with the real-world skills they need to take on today’s challenges.’ 

A business school that prepares delegates to thrive amid uncertainty

 Buckley added that in a world reshaped by shifting powers, rising geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological leaps, delivering real value to business students means more than just teaching theory. ‘It’s about preparing them to thrive amid uncertainty – equipping them with the agility, resilience, and boldness to lead in a multipolar, unpredictable global landscape where old rules no longer apply and new challenges emerge every day.’ 

Ninety-five schools from around the world were ranked by the FT in the 2025 customised ranking, with five new entrants to the rankings this year. IMD, the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development took the top spot, while London Business School topped the ranking for open programmes. 

Other African schools to feature in the rankings include the UCT Graduate School of Business, Lagos Business School in Nigeria, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (University of Pretoria), and The American University of Cairo School of Business in Egypt. Skema Business School, an international institution with a presence in South Africa, is also ranked. 

More information on Henley Business School's Executive Education offerings can be found here: https://www.henleysa.ac.za/henley-execed-page