Executive Education

Exploratory Note and a Call for Strategic Partnership on Executive Education in Economic Diplomacy

Introduction 

Global economic competition is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, trade policy, investment diplomacy, technological transformation, sustainability, and international partnerships. Governments are no longer the only actors practicing economic diplomacy. 

Today, multinational corporations, financial institutions, exporters, chambers of commerce, family businesses, development finance institutions, consulting firms and entrepreneurs increasingly require the competencies traditionally associated with diplomacy in order to expand markets, attract investment, manage geopolitical risks and build enduring international partnerships. This reality has created a growing need for structured executive education in Corporate Economic Diplomacy. 

Vision 

To establish Africa’s leading executive education programme in Economic Diplomacy, connecting business, government and academia through world-class professional learning. 

Programme Concept 

The Certified Executive in Economic Diplomacy (CEED), which is private sector-facing and Certified Public Manager in Economic Diplomacy (CPMED), which is public sector-facing, are designed as executive-level programmes for senior leaders in business and government seeking practical tools to compete successfully in an increasingly interconnected global economy. 

The programme combines: 

  • International Business Strategy 
  • Trade and Investment 
  • Corporate Diplomacy 
  • Government Relations 
  • Cross-Border Partnerships 
  • Geopolitical Risk 
  • Diaspora Economic Engagement 
  • Executive Negotiation 
  • Sustainable Global Competitiveness 

Unlike traditional international business programmes, CEED and CPMED place Economic Diplomacy at the centre of business strategy. 

Target Audience 

The programme is intended for: 

  • CEOs 
  • Director-Generals
  • Executive Directors 
  • Managing Directors 
  • Entrepreneurs 
  • Exporters 
  • Family Business Leaders 
  • Investment Executives 
  • Corporate Affairs Directors 
  • Government Relations Executives 
  • Financial Institutions 
  • Chambers of Commerce 
  • Development Organisations 
  • Professional Service Firms 
  • Senior Public Officials interacting with business 

Learning Outcomes 

Participants will develop competencies to: 

  • navigate complex international business environments; 
  • understand geopolitical developments affecting business decisions; 
  • engage effectively with governments and international institutions; 
  • build sustainable international partnerships; 
  • expand into foreign markets; 
  • attract international investment; 
  • leverage diaspora networks for commercial advantage; 
  • negotiate across cultures; and 
  • strengthen corporate competitiveness. 

Indicative Programme Themes 

The final curriculum will be developed collaboratively with the Academic Partners. 

Indicative areas include: 

  • The Global Business Environment 
  • Corporate Economic Diplomacy 
  • International Trade Strategy 
  • Cross-Border Investment 
  • Government Relations 
  • Geopolitical Risk 
  • Corporate Reputation 
  • Diaspora Business Networks 
  • Executive Negotiation 
  • International Partnerships 
  • Global Competitiveness 

Delivery Model 

The programme may be delivered through: 

  • Executive Masterclasses 
  • Hybrid Learning 
  • Intensive Executive Bootcamps
  • International Study Visits 
  • Corporate Cohorts 
  • Open Executive Programmes 

Proposed Partnership 

GlobalVillage Consult Belgium seeks to collaborate with partners in areas such as: 

  • Curriculum refinement 
  • Academic quality assurance 
  • Faculty collaboration 
  • Certification 
  • Executive education delivery 
  • International branding 
  • Joint research 
  • Commercialisation 
  • Programme innovation 
  • International expansion 

Intellectual Property 

The programme concept originates from the book, Economic Diplomacy of the Diaspora (2026) by Collins Nweke. Detailed curriculum, proprietary teaching materials, assessment methodologies and programme architecture will be shared following the execution of an appropriate confidentiality agreement or Memorandum of Understanding. 

About GlobalVillage Consult 

GlobalVillage Consult  is a Belgium-based management consulting and policy advisory firm specialising in: 

  • Economic Diplomacy 
  • International Trade 
  • Investment Promotion 
  • Diaspora Engagement 
  • Public Policy 
  • Executive Education 

Its Founder, Collins Nweke, is an experienced International Trade Consultant, former Belgian municipal councillor, and 2014 candidate member European Parliament. His academic background covers International Business Management (Bcom), Management Social Economy (MSE), Corporate Strategy (Graduate), PhD (hc) in Governance. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria (FCPM), the Institute of Management Consultants, and Distinguished Fellow of the International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators. An associate member Chartered Institute of Directors, ACIoD, Collins is the author of Economic Diplomacy of the Diaspora, which is regarded as one of the pioneering practitioners works on the subject worldwide. 

Invitation 

Collins Nweke and GlobalVillage Consult welcome the opportunity to explore with partners the co-development of the commercialisation of what has the potential to become one of the first executive education programmes globally, dedicated specifically to Economic Diplomacy for government and business leaders. 

Brussels, Belgium, August 2026

Collins Nweke FCPM, DFRA, PhD (hc), FIMC, ACIoD

Programme initiator & Author Economic Diplomacy of the Diaspora