Thanks to the generous support of the Manchester Metropolitan University Conference Support Award (now the Research and Innovation Conference Fund), for which I am immensely grateful, I attended and presented at the 9th Reading International Business Conference, held at the Henley Business School, University of Reading in April 2024. This event was an opportunity to engage with a global network of scholars and professionals and present my research on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Reading International Business Conference brings together some of the most acclaimed academics and industry professionals in the field of international business. The event centred on discussions about global investment trends, international trade, and the increasingly important role of emerging markets. The conference agenda included keynotes from leading international business scholars, as well as very thought-provoking debate sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
I was particularly excited to present my work during a panel focused on Exploring FDI: Labour Markets, Trade Wars and Corporate Behaviour. The panel allowed me to receive valuable feedback from a diverse group of experts while connecting with peers and practitioners who share a passion for understanding the complexities of international business, particularly in emerging regions.
As my research focusses on the growing phenomenon of OFDI from ECOWAS nations, a region I believe has enormous untapped potential in the global investment landscape. My presentation, entitled ”Determinants of Outward Foreign Direct Investment in ECOWAS Member States”, focused on the factors that drive FDI flows from West African countries to other regions. These include macro-economic policies, institutional frameworks, and the role of regional integration efforts. I highlighted that nations such as Nigeria and Ghana are not only destinations for investment but are becoming active investors abroad. This shift represents a significant change in the narrative surrounding African economies, which are traditionally seen as recipients of foreign investment. Now, some ECOWAS nations are expanding their economic influence by making investments beyond their borders, particularly within their regional neighbourhood and into other developing markets.
My participation at the conference gave me an opportunity to learn from a global community of scholars at the forefront of international business research. The financial backing provided by this award enabled me to participate at the event, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity it afforded me. The feedback I received was invaluable and I look forward to building on the themes and ideas I encountered during the conference. This experience has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing my academic journey with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer vision for the future of my research.
