IE University and Zain Group Distinguished in EFMD Excellence Award 2025 for Master in Digital Transformation Program

IE University, recognized among the most innovative universities in the world by international rankings, and Zain Group, leading TechCo serving 50 million customers across eight markets in the Middle East, announce that their joint initiative, the Online Stackable Master Program in Digital Transformation (MDT) program entitled IDEU, has been awarded the Silver Award in the "Professional Development" category at the 2025 European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Excellence in Practice Awards.

The recognition, granted by a distinguished international jury panel, highlights the power of large-scale, human-centered learning in transforming organizations and empowering people in real time. 

In 2023, IE University’s the Master in Digital Transformation program was launched by Zain Group’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) department to address the growing need for digital capabilities and leadership within the telecom sector. A modular, online, and stackable degree program, MDT has reached more 2,000 professionals across Zain’s eight markets, making it one of the most ambitious digital learning programs of its kind in the region. 

"This award honors our commitment to lifelong learning. The MDT program is a model of what’s possible when corporate purpose and academic innovation come together—and we are grateful to Zain for their trust and partnership. To see the impact of this innovative program is incredibly rewarding," said Martín Rodríguez Jugo, General Manager of Lifelong Learning at IE University. 

The program’s measurable results speak to its depth and impact:

• Over 2,000 employees enrolled, with a 92% course completion rate.
• Almost 8,000 individual course certifications and 400 university certificates awarded.

The MDT program is part of a broader initiative by Zain to embed continuous learning into the heart of its business. Through its IDEU (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity University), Zain is cultivating digital fluency and leadership readiness at all levels of the organization—ultimately reducing reliance on external consultants, accelerating internal mobility, and delivering measurable business value in areas such as customer experience, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

"The IDEU educational pioneering initiative in partnership with IE University epitomizes Zain’s unwavering commitment to purpose-driven progress and organizational impact," commented Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Group Vice Chairman and Group CEO. "This prestigious recognition from EFMD serves as a testament to our dedication to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, as we strive to cultivate a workforce that reflects what is essential for innovation and success in today’s global landscape. By enabling 2,000 employees to embark on a transformative journey, we are not only investing in their individual growth but futureproofing our organization." 

The EFMD recognition adds to a growing list of accolades received by the MDT program: 

• Gold Winner – Brandon Hall EdTech Excellence Awards (2025)
• Winner – Merit Awards for Learning & Development – Middle East (2024)
• Finalist – QS Reimagine Education Awards (2024) 

Winners of the EFMD Excellence in Practice Awards will receive their award and present their cases at the 2025 EFMD Executive Development Conference in October.