IE University Hosts the Middle East and Africa Alumni Summit 2026 in Cairo

 IE University brought together alumni, faculty, and business leaders at the Middle East and Africa Alumni Summit 2026, held in Cairo. The event provided a platform to share perspectives on the region's growth challenges and opportunities.

The summit featured the participation of Khaled Hashem, Egypt's Minister of Industry and IE University alumnus; Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Ambassador of Spain to Egypt; and Mar Hurtado de Mendoza, Vice President of Global Recruitment & Marketing at IE University.

During his address, Khaled Hashem highlighted the impact of his academic experience at IE on the development of his critical thinking, openness to diverse perspectives, and leadership skills. He also underscored the importance of continuous learning and collaboration between universities, businesses, and public administrations to drive innovation and industrial development in Egypt.

"Bringing our alumni community together in Cairo allows us to continue strengthening IE University's ties in the Middle East and Africa. Their experience and knowledge of the region are essential to bridging education with business needs and exploring new opportunities for collaboration," noted Mar Hurtado de Mendoza.

The event included sessions on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, real estate, and business strategies, combining academic insights with the professional experience of graduates in the region. Speakers included David Goodman, Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design; Jorge Carrasco, Managing Director of Blockchain and Digital Assets at FTI Consulting; and Ahmed El Gamal, IE University alumnus. Sara Lindgren, Director of IE Global Alumni Relations, also spoke about the growing presence and global impact of the IE University alumni community.

"The bond with IE University continues long after the academic journey ends. Events like this Summit allow our alumni to learn from one another, share the challenges they face in their organizations, and build connections that will support them throughout the different stages of their careers," highlighted Inés Drieselmann, Vice President of Alumni and Careers at IE University.

The Middle East and Africa Alumni Summit 2026 in Cairo is part of IE University's ongoing commitment to the professional development of its students and graduates. In terms of employability, IE University ranks 17th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking 2027. This ranking reflects the assessment of over 30,000 recruiters from 40 countries regarding the employability of graduates from more than 1,000 universities.