Henley Business School retains spot in world top-25 business schools

For L&D experts looking to maximise executive education ROI amid economic uncertainty, the right partner makes all the difference.

The newly released 2026 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings published on 18 May place Henley Business School at #23 globally for customised executive education, maintaining its position as a top-ranked provider across Africa.

In an increasingly competitive market for leadership development across the continent, Henley was ranked first globally for faculty diversity and 24th worldwide for the quality of its teaching faculty – indicators increasingly valued by organisations looking for learning partners that can bring global perspectives and practical relevance to leadership development.

The Financial Times rankings is widely regarded as one of the most influential global benchmarks for executive education quality and impact.

Building African capability as a north star

Henley Africa Dean and Director Jon Foster-Pedley said this latest endorsement is a validation of Henley’s efforts in Africa to make management training faster and more immediately useful for organisations.

‘Management is notoriously hard to learn and is mostly learned the hard way, through failure and hard knocks. Our mission at Henley has always been to make it easier for people to learn these hard skills to benefit their individual career progress, and their organisation’s growth and sustainability.’

He adds that this is particularly critical in a country like South Africa where few people get the degrees and training they need to succeed, eroding their hope, confidence, and their belief in their own intelligence and capability.

‘We are deeply committed to developing the people who build the businesses that build Africa. That means working with our clients – leading organistions across the continent – to create learning experiences that are practical, transformational and relevant to the realities our clients face every day.’

He added that while rankings are only one measure of success for a business school, the Financial Times rankings remain globally influential and aspirational.

‘These rankings matter because they provide an independent measure of quality and impact. They also encourage business schools to keep innovating – and innovation is essential if we want executive education to remain relevant in a world where business is changing faster than ever before.’

Client satisfaction, front and centre

Linda Buckley, Pro-Dean: Teaching and Learning and Student Experience at Henley Africa said Henley’s strong performance in the rankings was especially meaningful because client feedback accounts for nearly 80% of the Financial Times evaluation methodology.

‘What makes this recognition particularly significant is that it comes directly from the organisations and professionals we work with. They are telling us that the learning experience is relevant, impactful and helping them solve real business challenges.’

Buckley added that Henley’s global faculty network continues to be a key differentiator.

‘Leadership today requires exposure to multiple perspectives, industries and ways of thinking. Our faculty diversity – once again ranked among the best globally – helps create a learning environment where African executives can engage with ideas and insights from across continents while remaining grounded in local realities.

Global rankings highlight growing African presence

A total of 100 business schools were ranked globally in the customised executive education rankings this year, with five new entrants reflecting growing international competition in the sector.

Other African schools and institutions with African delivery featured in the 2026 rankings include the UCT Graduate School of Business, Lagos Business School, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, Essec Business School and Skema Business School.