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. She lectures on Strategy & Sustainability at GIBS Business School and holds a Master's in Development Sociology from Wits University and a PhD in Management & Organisation Studies from Tilburg University.
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 mobilising capital for conservation, climate, and nature solutions at WWF's Global Finance Practice. A 2021 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer and 2022 One Young World Ambassador, she mentors youth and SMEs on sustainable finance.
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.
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.
Over 15 years of investment and sustainable banking experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Previously managed impact portfolios at Triodos and PYMWYMIC, sits on the board of Signify Foundation, lectures on CSR at TIAS Business School, and mentors SMEs in financial sustainability.
A faculty member and Associate Director of the Doctoral Academy at Strathmore University Business School, with 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 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. Creator of the RUBICUB method, advancing Africa-led development through reverse-engineered finance. A trilingual deal enabler who curates high-level panels and fosters German–French–African business ties.
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 organizational researcher and learning strategist specialising in human capital development and cross-cultural collaboration. She brings eight years of academic expertise in organization studies from Tilburg University alongside professional experience in designing and deploying leadership and learning programmes at Deloitte across the EMEA region.
Co-Founder and CEO of FunKe Science, an edtech pioneer using interactive kits and AR/VR to transform science learning for over 20,000 children across Africa. A Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellow and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, she is a passionate advocate for girls in STEM.
A postdoctoral researcher at TUM's Chair of Corporate Sustainability and 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. This Dutch-Congolese civil servant champions dialogue and inclusion across multiple ministries, focusing on DEI and tolerance initiatives.
A Chartered Accountant with 25 years of 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.
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.