Afren leads the way in responsible management education

Unique to Exeter, the One Planet MBA is a joint venture between the University of Exeter Business School and WWF International, the world's largest environmental organisation.

The innovative programme aims to produce future business leaders and decision makers with hard-edged business skills rooted in a "one planet" mind set, which recognises that we live on a resource-constrained planet. At its core is the principle of "sustainability". Already, the One Planet MBA has been recognised for its distinctive approach to sustainability by the Aspen Institute's 'Beyond Grey Pinstripes' ranking (2nd in the UK, 9th in Europe, 47th in the world) and by winning a 'Green Gown Award'.

Galib Virani, director at Afren East Africa Exploration, said "the Afren One Planet MBA Scholarship Programme is part of our commitment to support the development of managerial talent in the countries in which we operate, as well as encouraging a sustainable business framework and promoting awareness of the environmental challenges and potential solutions to energy exploration and production around the world. "

Afren is a leading energy company - listed on London's Main Market, and a constituent of the FTSE 250 - with a diversified portfolio of production, development and exploration assets in 12 countries. Maintaining strong relationships with indigenous companies and suppliers are top Afren priorities, as are ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility and ethical policies that ensure significant resources re-enter local economies. Together, these unique factors have contributed to Afren's strong positioning in the exploration and production sector.

Training future business leaders

Malcolm Kirkup, director of MBA programmes at Exeter, said "Afren's forward-thinking approach should be admired by the industry - it is training the future business leaders of Africa to consider how to resolve the potential conflicts of corporate success and the need to manage environmental resources responsibly. We are delighted that Afren has committed to a long-term relationship as this is the best way to ensure that we can make a beneficial impact on the countries our students come from."

The first Afren One Planet MBA scholar is Karen Adu from Nigeria. She is currently working with Afren on her consultancy project, exploring how the business can engage even more effectively with local communities. She said "The One Planet MBA at Exeter has opened up even more opportunities than I expected. Everything about it drives you to change - your perceptions, the way you think and the actions you consider. I feel that I'm learning so much - and in just one year! It was my dream to study abroad, and Afren's financial support has given my dream wings."

The scholarships cover the full One Planet MBA tuition fee, as well as a contribution towards accommodation and living expenses. Eligible candidates will need to meet the full entry requirements for the One Planet MBA; have a background or demonstrable interest in the oil and gas sector; and be a resident of one of the following countries/regions: Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania.

Scholarships are available for 2013/14 and beyond. The deadline for applications for 2013/14 is Monday, 15 July 2013.

For more, go to http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/mbaatexeter.