The center of geopolitical gravity often shifts across continents with the pass of centuries. If Asia and The Americas dominated most of the 20th Century, it is very likely that the present one will put Africa at the core of global attention and interest, both economic and cultural.

However, Africa remains as one of the least understood continents. For example, most headlines in the international press about Africa are negative, of the glass half-empty variety, constantly reporting epidemics, corruption, political crises, and do not reflect the continent’s promising future and huge potential, or even its entrepreneurial and innovative pulse.

Also, Africans claim that foreigners generally refer to their continent myopically, as if it was a single-market, one-nation, homogenous-culture region. Nevertheless, the fact is that Africa is probably the most diverse region in the World on all accounts.

Aware of this, our university has launched the IE Africa Center as the European academic hub focused on African studies, developing research and educational programs, as well as gathering scholars and students focused on this subject. Its main mission is enhancing a sound knowledge of Africa, which in turn may catalyze opportunities for sustainable growth and development in the continent and abroad.

I hope that you share our excitement about this needed initiative and that you engage our activities. Your contribution may help building a much prosperous, peaceful and sustainable World.

President, IE University