Date January 30, 2026
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Through the lens: IE Brown Executive MBA Cape Town Immersion

Explore the IE Brown Executive MBA Cape Town immersion, where students partnered with township entrepreneurs and immersed themselves in the region’s culture, history and business challenges.

Students in the IE Brown Executive MBA program visited Cape Town, South Africa, this month for the annual immersion experience. This week-long residency, an integral part of the 15-month Executive MBA program, immerses students in entrepreneurial opportunities in developing regions.

Throughout the week, the cohort worked in teams to create innovative business solutions for township entrepreneurs. They participated in lectures on South Africa’s history, culture and business landscape, addressing real challenges faced by local communities and applying creative problem-solving to develop solutions suited to the environment.

Outside the classroom, students had abundant opportunities for cultural immersion. From dinners with local entrepreneurs to meaningful conversations with community leaders, they experienced Cape Town’s vibrant energy firsthand.

The Cape Town immersion highlights the IE Brown Executive MBA program’s dedication to developing responsible leaders ready to create meaningful impact. Learn more about the program at emba.brown.edu.

 

group photo of four students smiling in a field
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Welcome dinner at Seven Sisters Vineyard, one of the few Black-owned and managed vineyards in South Africa. Founder Vivian Kleynhan shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey with the cohort. Left to right: Alicia Leite, Makula Dunbar, Jacob Serra, Thami Baba (Project Navigator) and Monira Algosalbi.

group photo of tour looking at a statue
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Exploring Company’s Garden in Cape Town with expert guide Gerry Matthews.

group photo taken from above at historic site
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Powerful visit to the District Six Museum, which commemorates the forced relocation of 60,000 residents of all races during apartheid in the 1970s.

three people smiling for a group photo
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IE Brown EMBA alumnus Thato Makgolane ’24, Brown SPS Dean Sandra Smith and guest speaker Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State and Chairman of Bidvest.

group photo at dinner
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Group dinner at the Taj Hotel, highlighting Cape Town’s renowned international cuisine.

group photo out in the vineyard
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Team Burro conducts research at a Stellenbosch vineyard, exploring new applications and product adaptations for Burro.

group of student in a classroom
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Team Velokhaya, dedicated to youth development through cycling and mentoring, visits Velokhaya headquarters in Khayelitsha township. Left to right: Gregor Jarisch, Orion Welch, Lindsay Palmer, Gopal Amruthapuri, Sipho Mona (Velokhaya Director), Jen Villareal and Ana Maria Hoyos.

group of women sitting together at a table
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Students, entrepreneurs and Navigators celebrate at the Closing Ceremony, University of Cape Town GSB, after weeks of intensive fieldwork and collaboration with partner organizations. Left to right: Thami Baba (Navigator), Jitske Cnossen (Managing Director, Agora Microfinance South Africa) Constance Kodisang (SME Portfolio Lead Agora Microfinance South Africa) and Alicia Leite.

group photo under a tent
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Group photo at the Closing Ceremony, University of Cape Town GSB. Left to right: Joe Lesibane (Navigator), Masecheba Mabilu, Sipho Mona (Entrepreneur), Lindsay Palmer, Ike Ogobo and Ana Maria Hoyos.

group photo at a vineyard
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EMBA cohort celebrating a fantastic residential immersion!

Step into global leadership

The IE Brown Executive MBA is designed for leaders who expect more than business as usual. Built for executives ready to elevate their leadership, the program equips you to tackle the toughest challenges in today’s complex global environment.

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