UCT GSB MBA ranked number seven globally for impact and sustainability

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business’ (GSB) Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme has been ranked number seven globally and number one in Africa in the 2024 Better World MBA ranking by Corporate Knights magazine. The annual ranking assesses 174 top MBA programmes worldwide for their focus on sustainability and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This achievement underscores UCT’s growing prominence on the global stage and highlights Africa’s expanding role in sustainable business education. This year’s ranking marks a significant leap for the UCT GSB, improving by 20 places from the previous year and placing ahead of notable institutions. The school’s curriculum is designed to empower students with practical insights on sustainability, strategic thinking, and adaptive leadership – skills vital for navigating complex global challenges.

“We are proud to be an African business school setting the pace for programmes around the world,” said the director of the UCT GSB, Dr Catherine Duggan. “Understanding impact and sustainability is increasingly a requirement for global business leaders. It has always been an integral part of doing business in Africa and a core element of who we are at the UCT GSB. We are excited to bring African insights to a global audience of students and decisionmakers.”

Focus

The focus on sustainability has become a top priority for MBA candidates globally. According to surveys by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a significant majority of prospective students seek programmes that incorporate impact and sustainability into their core curriculum. More than one-third of students state that they would not consider an MBA that did not include these vital topics.

“Our students increasingly view sustainability as central to their careers and purpose.”

Programme director for the full-time MBA at UCT, Wayne Moodaley, said: “Our students increasingly view sustainability as central to their careers and purpose. Our graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles, leadership skills, and strategic problem-solving abilities that set them apart and equip them to drive positive change in their organisations and communities.”

The UCT GSB’s reputation for excellence is underscored by its recent performance in the 2025 QS Global MBA rankings, which placed its programme first in Africa and among the top 100 MBAs worldwide. The Better World MBA ranking also awards additional recognition to programmes that successfully place graduates in sustainable companies, such as those on the Clean 200 and Corporate Knights Global 100 lists.