Hoya Highlight: Get to Know the Georgetown Africa Business Alliance (GABA)

With a student body made up of 49% international students representing over 40 countries, the Georgetown Full-time MBA program takes pride in its diverse community of global perspectives.  Established in the 2023-2024 academic year, the Georgetown Africa Business Alliance (GABA) is committed to driving economic development across Africa through business. GABA unites Georgetown students, alumni, and future leaders, leveraging the university’s global network to create positive change and opportunities that shape a brighter future for Africa and the world. 

We spoke with the leaders of GABA about their goals with the organization.

Meet the Co-President of GABA: Olayinka Asiru (MBA’26)

Hometown: Ogun, Nigeria

Past Work Experience: Financial Reporting and Assurance Consulting

I began my professional career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Lagos, Nigeria, as an associate in the Assurance practice. Over the past five years, I provided assurance services to multinational corporations across Africa and North America, supporting clients through complex audits and regulatory environments. Most recently, I worked on the Internal Finance team at CrossCountry Consulting, where I supported executive decision-making by delivering accurate and timely financial information. I am a chartered accountant and hold professional certifications from both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

After graduating from the Full-time MBA program in 2026, I seek to continue my professional career in the finance space with a strong interest in investment banking and other finance-related roles that allow me to leverage my analytical background, accounting expertise, and cross-continental experience to drive value for clients and organizations.

Why did you choose Georgetown for your Full-time MBA?

I chose Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business because of its academic excellence, global exposure, and collaborative culture. Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers a special mix of business, policy, and global exposure that elevates the business school experience. 

Coming from an international background, I also was drawn to McDonough’s global orientation. The Global Business Experience and internationally diverse student community offer me the exposure I need to build cross-border insight and become a well-rounded finance professional.

Lastly, I value Georgetown’s supportive, collaborative culture. From my interactions with current students and alumni, I saw a community that is competitive yet also collaborative, where people are driven but still invested in each other’s success. That’s the kind of environment I want to learn and grow in.

As the current president of GABA, what inspired you to become a leader for this club?

Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve always been passionate about Africa’s potential and the stories that define our continent. When I joined Georgetown, I saw GABA as more than just a club. It was a platform to elevate African voices, connect cultures, and spark meaningful conversations around business, innovation, and impact.

I was inspired to lead GABA because I wanted to help shape how Africa is represented within the MBA community, not just through cultural celebration, but through serious engagement with the continent’s business opportunities and challenges. From curating events to strengthening our industry connections, my goal alongside my co-president and executive board has been to broaden perspectives and build community.

Leading GABA also has been deeply personal. It’s given me the chance to support fellow African students navigating business school, while creating space for others interested in the region to learn, connect, and grow. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my Georgetown experience

What impact has the club made on MBA students’ professional and personal growth?

GABA has had a meaningful impact on the professional and personal growth of MBA students at McDonough, whether they identify as African or are simply curious about the continent’s role in global business.

Professionally, GABA provides a space for advancing the interests and voices of African students in the McDonough community. Through speaker events, career panels, and alumni conversations, we’ve helped students broaden their global business perspective and consider opportunities they may not have initially explored.

On a personal level, GABA has become a vibrant community where students can celebrate culture, find belonging, and build friendships that transcend borders. For many African students, it’s a space that feels like home, a place where they’re understood, supported, and empowered. For others, it’s an invitation to engage deeply with a region full of complexity, creativity, and growth.

Ultimately, GABA is more than a club, it’s a bridge. It connects people, ideas, and aspirations.

What initiatives or events organized by GABA have been most successful in fostering community?

At GABA, building community is the core of everything we do. Some of our most successful initiatives have created space not just for connection, but for meaningful cultural and professional exchange.

Professionally, our annual flagship event is the Georgetown Africa Business Conference. First launched in 2016, it has become a staple on the MBA calendar and a cornerstone of GABA’s programming. The conference serves as a powerful platform to tell the African business story— highlighting opportunities, confronting challenges, and amplifying voices from across the continent. It brings together students, professionals, and stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue, explore partnerships, and build community. More than just a conference, it’s a space where meaningful connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and the future of African business is shaped. This year’s conference is scheduled for fall 2025.

Last year, we introduced Georgetown Xperience Africa, an immersive, two-part event that featured a business summit and a cultural showcase. This initiative was designed to highlight the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Africa. The summit offered a platform for insightful conversations around innovation and opportunity in Africa, while the cultural showcase celebrated our heritage through music, art, and cuisine. Together, these experiences not only elevated Africa’s presence on campus but also significantly expanded GABA’s visibility within the Georgetown community.

Of course, it’s not always all business. We frequently organize student mixers, games nights, and casual social events—spaces where we can just be ourselves, unwind, and connect. In the midst of it all, we never forget to vibe.

What advice do you have for incoming MBA students seeking leadership opportunities? 

Leadership in business school isn’t about titles – it’s about impact. Don’t wait to feel “ready” before stepping up; if there’s a space where your voice, experience, or perspective can add value, lean into it.

Start by getting involved early. Attend club events, volunteer for small roles, and build relationships across the program. Leadership opportunities often come from simply showing up consistently and contributing with intention.

Also, be authentic in your approach. Choose roles that align with your passions and where you genuinely want to make a difference — whether that’s within affinity clubs, professional groups, or student government. When you lead from a place of purpose, it’s easier to stay motivated, rally others, and create lasting impact.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Some of the most rewarding moments come not from individual achievements, but from building something meaningful with others.

Leadership at Georgetown is accessible to everyone, you just have to be willing to raise your hand and get involved.