Ahmed Hamada didn’t set out to become a public figure, bur his impact made him one. He never chases attention until attention finds him. He started as an engineer, focused on systems, structure, and efficiency. But his work evolved from engineering systems to empowering organizations, and from operations to international and regional policy-making, it became clear he had a rare ability to connect strategy with real-world change. Today, Ahmed is one of the key figures shaping investment policy and international collaboration across both the African continent and the Arab countries with two different but interconnected mandates.
He serves as the Chairperson of International Business & Partnerships at the African Business Council, the Vice Secretary General of the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment a member of the Specialized Arab Federation Forum of the Arab League, and the Chairperson of the Investment & International Cooperation Committee. Add to that his advisory role with the President of UCSA (Union of Confederations of African Sports), his position as a board member in sovereign wealth entities, and his executive leadership as Senior Vice President of a major GCC investment group, and you begin to understand the scale of his influence.
But when asked about his leadership, Ahmed keeps it simple: “I try to make things better. I focus on work that lasts.”
A Global Career Rooted in Practical Purpose
Ahmed’s professional journey began in Egypt, where he earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Engineering from Ain Shams University before completing his MBA at the American University in Cairo. He spent years working in the United States and Europe on transformation projects with companies like Vodafone, Rolls Royce, and American Airlines. That global exposure gave him insight into how complex systems work—and how to improve them. His experience with industries span from defense, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation and telecommunication.
He later transitioned into leadership roles in the GCC and Middle East, as a Senior Vice President in a major investment holding, where also he led defense, technology, healthcare, and education companies through major turnarounds. “Each role taught me something different,” he says. “Some needed structure, some needed people empowerment and innovation, some needed speed, but all of them needed a clear direction and purpose.”
Now, he supports on large-scale policy and investment alignment—connecting governments, private sectors, and regional unions to create partnerships that are both strategic and sustainable.
A Bridge Between Regions
One of Ahmed’s defining roles is creating synergy between Africa and the Arab world. “These regions share more than geography,” he explains. “They share interests, challenges, and opportunities.”
Through his policymaking roles, Ahmed works to strengthen investment and international relations across African and Arab markets, foster policy dialogue between global stakeholders and regional institutions, and support economic strategies that promote long-term development. He says; “Africa and the Arab world don’t need charity—they need clear policies and real investment.”
He also champions practical frameworks for areas like sustainable development, sports infrastructure, healthcare investment, and education reform—always focusing on outcomes, not just paperwork.
On Leadership
Ahmed’s leadership style is a mix of structured planning and flexible thinking. He listens closely, adapts quickly, and makes decisions based on a balance of data and common sense.
“There’s no perfect decision. I make the best one with what I know—and stay ready to adjust if things change.”
He believes leadership is about helping others grow strong enough to lead too.”
On Sustainability and Development
At the UN Sustainable Development Forum in 2025, Ahmed represented the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment with a message that was direct and clear: sustainability must be realistic, inclusive, and regional.
He argued for aligning energy and water infrastructure with local needs, pushing for models that balance environmental goals with economic growth. He also emphasized the role of inclusion—making sure development policies work for everyone, not just the privileged. He pointed to the geopolitical conflicts and their impact on the development.
“We can’t solve global issues with disconnected policies. It takes teamwork across borders.”
What Drives Him
Ahmed’s passion is rooted in outcomes. “Success for me is when an organization we supported is still running well years later, or when a policy I worked on turns into real change in someone’s life.”
He is especially proud of growing the valuation of a digital education platform by multiple times in one year and supporting healthcare systems during COVID-19. But he rarely speaks about accolades. “Quiet wins matter most,” he says. “Those are the ones that last.”
Advice to Future Leaders
His advice is simple:
“Don’t chase titles. Focus on real impact. Be curious, work hard, and always build for the long run.”
