A global entrepreneur challenges students to think deeper about opportunity, markets, and impact.
April 1, 2026
Magatte Wade, a globally recognized entrepreneur and advocate for economic freedom, came to the College of Business as part of the Exploring Economic Freedom Speaker Series for a high-energy conversation on entrepreneurship, opportunity, and global markets.
Wade is known for building businesses across continents and challenging conventional thinking about economic development and opportunity. Her work centers on entrepreneurship as a driver of prosperity and rethinking how global narratives shape our understanding of growth and human potential.
Students, faculty, and staff filled the room for a discussion that brought international perspective directly into the CBUS experience. Wade shared stories and insights from her entrepreneurial journey, encouraging students to think critically about how economic systems shape opportunity and how individuals can play a role in driving change.
As part of the event, students received copies of her book The Heart of the Cheetah: How We Have Been Lied to about African Poverty and What That Means for Human Flourishing, and Wade stayed after the conversation to sign books and connect with students one on one, adding a personal and memorable close to the experience.
The conversation sparked strong engagement throughout the event. Students asked thoughtful questions, connected ideas to what they are learning in class, and explored new ways of thinking about markets, innovation, and global opportunity.
Events like this continue to define the CBUS experience by creating space for big ideas, real dialogue, and perspectives that challenge students to think beyond the classroom.
Magatte Wade is a Senegalese entrepreneur, author, and global advocate for economic freedom. She is the founder of SkinIsSkin and a Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, where she works to advance free-market ideas across Africa. Her impact has earned international recognition, including being named one of Forbes’ 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa, a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and a TED Global Africa Fellow.
Wade’s work is rooted in a bold and thought-provoking perspective on economic development. Through her writing and speaking, she challenges conventional narratives about Africa, encouraging a shift away from deficit-based thinking toward one centered on innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. Her message calls for a reexamination of the systems and assumptions that shape global perceptions of growth and prosperity—inviting audiences to think differently about what drives lasting change.
The Exploring Economic Freedom Project at MSU Denver brings big ideas into the student experience through open dialogue, guest speakers, research, and hands-on learning opportunities. Grounded in the belief that education goes beyond the classroom, the program invites students to explore how markets, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty contribute to human flourishing.
Led by Dr. Alexandre Padilla, Chair of the Department of Economics, the project is supported by faculty fellows Dr. Glenn Furton and Dr. Chandler Reilly, along with other contributors who are committed to creating space for open inquiry and meaningful conversation. Together, they help shape the series by bringing academic expertise and real-world insight into each discussion.
Through its speaker series and programming, the initiative creates space for thoughtful and respectful conversations around complex economic topics. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives, ask challenging questions, and build their own informed viewpoints while strengthening critical thinking skills.
At its core, the project is about curiosity, exploration, and giving students the tools to better understand the systems that shape our world.
Learn more about the Exploring Economic Freedom Project here.
For those who missed the event or want to revisit the conversation, you can watch the full talk here:
Support comes from MSU Denver’s College of Business, offering flexible programs with real‑world projects and support. Committed to empowering graduates to lead, solve, and inspire.
Visit the College of Business Homepage
