Olufemi Babarinde

Olufemi Babarinde is a Clinical Associate Professor of Global Studies at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He specializes in business strategies across Africa, Europe, and South Africa, with a focus on international development, regional integration agreements, and the political dimensions of global economic processes. His research explores EU integration, African regionalism, and the EU's external relations with developing nations.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Miami University (1991)
• M.A. in Political Science, Miami University (1988)
• M.A. in Economics, Miami University (1985)
• B.A. in Economics, Wittenberg University (1983)

Research Interests: Babarinde’s work bridges political science and business practice, emphasizing the socio-economic challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. He analyzes the EU’s role in global development, particularly its policies on labor standards and corporate social responsibility (CSR). His studies also highlight regional integration frameworks like the African Union and their alignment with EU models, as well as strategies for leveraging globalization to foster equitable economic growth.

Publications Trends: His recent articles (2007–2009) focus on Africa’s economic potential, EU development policies, and cross-regional partnerships. Key themes include CSR’s impact on reducing inequality in South Africa, export dynamics of sub-Saharan African least-developed countries, and comparative analysis of regional integration between the EU and Africa.

Professional Activities: Babarinde serves on editorial boards for Thunderbird International Business Review, Africa Today, and Research in Management Education and Development. He has reviewed academic journals and manuscripts, and consulted for organizations. He is a member of the European Union Studies Association, the International Studies Association, the African Studies Association, and the Phi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. He co-founded the African Association of Arizona and participates in civic organizations.

Teaching & Global Reach: He teaches courses such as Regional Business Environment of Europe, Global Political Economy, and Strategies in International Development. His teaching spans multiple countries, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and a recurring transatlantic seminar in South Africa since 1997.