Professor Charles Adjasi, the acting director of the Stellenbosch Business School, has a rich and diverse background that deeply influences his approach to leadership and academia. Hailing from Ghana, Prof Adjasi’s pathway to South Africa and his eventual role at one of the most prestigious business schools on the continent is a tale of vision, determination, and a deep commitment to Africa's development.
It was during a conference held at the Stellenbosch Business School in 2004 that Prof Adjasi encountered South Africa for the time. At the time, he was an academic in Ghana, contemplating his PhD studies, and was presenting a paper with a few of his peers. The conference introduced him to South Africa and the unique opportunities and challenges present in the country. His initial impression of South Africa piqued his interest but left him pondering a few telling questions.
The country's infrastructure, reminiscent of Europe or North America, impressed him, but the stark disparities in wealth and opportunity left him deeply pensive. This duality would later inform his work and vision for the Business School.
“South Africa's infrastructure left me in awe; Cape Town in particular when I first arrived here,” Prof Adjasi said. “I, however, noticed the distinct disparity when spending time in Cape Town – a brilliant place with great infrastructure, but also deep inequality. A disparity that still exists, and it’s painful. But it’s also what drives me to make a difference.”
Before joining Stellenbosch, Prof Adjasi was set for a career in either asset management or at the Central Bank of Ghana, having just completed his master’s degree in Economics. His career path seemed set. However, a strong pull towards academia and research shifted his focus through the influence and being nudged in this direction by a professor or two from the university.
In 2011, Prof Adjasi joined Stellenbosch Business School as a guest lecturer – a role that quickly evolved into a permanent position. By then, he was not only an academic but also a family man, having married earlier that year. His wife, Chewe Sakha Adjasi, originally from Zambia, has been a supportive partner on his journey and shares his passion for education and development. She has worked in the NGO sector, focusing on empowering girls, and currently teaches business communication online to students in Ivory Coast. Their two sons consider Cape Town home, despite their strong ties to Zambia and Ghana.
When he first joined, the Development Finance programme was in its early stages. Today, it is one of the leading programmes in the field and is recognised locally and internationally.
“We wanted to grow beyond what it was, to be the lead providers of development finance education, setting the benchmark not just in Africa but globally,” he said.
One of his core beliefs is the importance of creating knowledge that has a long-lasting impact. This philosophy of co-creating knowledge with students and colleagues has been a driving force behind the School’s inclusive and collaborative culture.
Under Prof Adjasi’s leadership, the Stellenbosch Business School has continued to prioritise collaboration over competition. This approach has fostered a culture where every member of the School, from professors to administrative staff, is valued and encouraged to contribute to the institution’s success.
“I believe that we don’t compete; we collaborate. Not just with industry, but also with society and other business schools. Collaboration is the key to our success and to creating a meaningful impact,” Prof Adjasi continued. “We want to co-create knowledge that addresses real-life problems and issues, inviting students and the broader community to be part of this process. It’s about making a long-lasting impact.”
“There’s a lot more that we can do. We’ve met some expectations, but the potential to do more is immense. Nothing is stopping us – we just need the will and the space to do it. We have a culture here where you might not see the difference between the person who works in an office and the person who’s a professor. It’s a very inclusive space, and we need to keep that alive.”
His vision for the future of Stellenbosch Business School is ambitious, yet realistic. He sees the Business School not just as a regional leader, but as a global benchmark in business education, innovative teaching methods, and knowledge sharing. However, he remains grounded, acknowledging that while much has been achieved, there is still much more to do.
“We’re all working towards something bigger. It’s not just about individual achievements, but about collective progress. That’s what makes our work here so rewarding. I want to see our students and alumni go out into the world with a different mindset – one that is focused on long-term solutions and making a real difference.”
Disclaimer: This article originally appeared op the Stellenbosch Business School’s website at www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za
