Meridian17's experts are researchers, practitioners and business leaders who bring their own expertise and networks to the work of advancing Africa–Europe partnership.
Experts affiliated with Meridian17 share a conviction: that the Africa–Europe partnership matters, that business is central to making it work, and that rigorous, independent research is essential to understanding what holds it back and what can move it forward.
Their work — whether in academia, business, policy, or the broader public debate — is conducted with full academic freedom and independence. Meridian17 is not affiliated with any political party or governmental body, and enters into partnerships only where they support the goals and objectives of the organisation. Our experts reflect that same principle.
A social scientist who analyses geopolitical shifts and integrates sustainability into economic development, Dr Alexander lectures on Strategy & Sustainability at GIBS Business School. She holds a Master's Degree in Development Sociology from Wits University, and a PhD in Management & Organisation Studies from Tilburg University.
Dr Khuzwayo is a global feminist gender practitioner with extensive experience in civil society, research, and philanthropy. A trained sociologist, her work centres on the intersections of gender, race, class and sexuality, with a focus on development challenges in the Global South.
A sustainable finance expert, Jane mobilises capital for conservation, climate, and nature solutions at WWF's Global Finance Practice. A 2021 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer, and a 2022 One Young World Ambassador, she mentors youth and SMEs on sustainable finance.
A supply chain strategist, with 16 years' experience leading end-to-end logistics across FMCG, manufacturing and agriculture in Africa, Melicia has an MBA from GIBS. She directed an award-winning, multi-country transformation, spanning South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania, that delivered over R300m in cost savings.
Dr van der Zee studies tourism geography, focusing on how tourism interacts with cities — including the spatial development of Airbnb in South Africa and the influence of reviews on traveller behaviour. He employs GIS, social network, and sentiment analyses to advance sustainable, inclusive tourism.
Agnieszka is an expert in EU sustainable policies, specialising in decarbonisation, circular economy, biodiversity, sustainable value chains, and sustainable AI. Passionate about harnessing technology to improve lives in Europe and Africa, she also dedicates her time to social inclusion and nature conservation.
Stanley has over 15 years of investment and sustainable banking experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia. He previously managed impact portfolios at Triodos and; sits on the board of Signify Foundation; lectures on CSR at TIAS Business School; and mentors SMEs in financial sustainability.
Dr Wachira is a faculty member and Associate Director of the Doctoral Academy at Strathmore University Business School. She has expertise in ESG reporting, sustainable finance and corporate governance. She holds a PhD from the University of St. Gallen and leads sustainability programmes for organisations across East and Southern Africa. As Chair of the UN-PRME Chapter Africa, and as a member of Kenya's Sustainable Finance Working Group, she bridges academic rigour with practitioner-facing policy work.
A lawyer and project finance specialist bridging European capital with African energy and infrastructure projects, Marie is the creator of the RUBICUB method, advancing Africa-led development through reverse-engineered finance. She is a trilingual deal-enabler who curates high-level panels and fosters German–French–African business ties.
Dr Hlophe is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the University of Pretoria, specialising in innovative cancer treatments. Her research drives impactful collaborations across Africa, and has earned her several accolades, reflecting her commitment to advancing both cancer research and health education.
An organisational researcher and learning strategist, specialising in human capital development and cross-cultural collaboration, Dr Karaduman brings eight years of academic expertise in organisation studies from Tilburg University. She also has professional experience in designing and deploying leadership and learning programmes at Deloitte across the EMEA region.
Tracey is Co-Founder and CEO of FunKe Science. She is an edtech pioneer using interactive kits and AR/VR to transform science learning for over 20,000 children across Africa. She is a Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellow and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, passionately advocating for girls in STEM.
Dr Argiolas is a postdoctoral researcher at TUM's Chair of Corporate Sustainability, and a coordinator of the TUM SEED Center. Her Joachim Herz–awarded research examines how off-grid energy ventures drive social impact in Africa and India. She holds a PhD in Management and Innovation from the Catholic University of Milan.
The Netherlands' first Ambassador of Tolerance, bridging African and European cultures through his work in the Dutch government, Paul is a Dutch-Congolese civil servant, who champions dialogue and inclusion across multiple ministries, focusing on DEI and tolerance initiatives.
Dakin is a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience across three continents. He has led initiatives to bring new ideas to post-revenue organisations; expand organisational capacity; and develop people's skills. Holding two Master's degrees, he thrives on challenges once deemed impossible.
Neshwin is the Founder of Shyftup Consulting. He is a supply chain strategist with 18 years' experience, including roles at DHL Supply Chain and AB InBev (SAB). An industrial engineer with a GIBS business degree, he helps multinationals across South Africa and beyond turn their supply chains into multi-million-dollar efficiencies.
Dr Ntaka is an Assistant Lecturer at Corvinus University of Budapest, researching insurgent groups, rebel governance and state-building across Africa. A political scientist with a PhD in International and Security Studies, she brings an African scholarly perspective to the study of the continent from within Europe.
Dr Metz is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg University, where she coordinates the Digital Transformation track in the Organisation Studies Master's. Her research asks how professionals build responsible, sustainable ways of working amid digital change, including data quality and financial governance in the Netherlands and South Africa.
Tahar is a legal researcher and author, examining the gap between Europe's partnership promises and the reality of its investment agreements in Africa. A former trainee at the Council of the EU, he is also the author of a monograph on EU External Action and the CFSP.
We are actively growing our network of affiliated researchers, practitioners, and business leaders. If your work aligns with our focus on the business of Africa–Europe partnership, we would like to hear from you.
Get in touch →Full academic and professional freedom — your work remains your own.
Access to a growing network of researchers, policymakers, and business leaders across both continents.
Opportunities to contribute to research, podcast episodes, and events.
A shared commitment to practical outcomes, not just publications.