About us
MEARI is dedicated to exploring the complex and evolving dynamics between the Middle East and Africa.
MEARI focuses its pursuit of knowledge at the intersection of the forces of geography, history, politics, security, economics and culture that are driving change in relationships on the Middle East-Africa nexus.
Events in Africa and the Middle East often affect the entire globe. Whether it’s the issues of mineral resources, environmental degradation, demography, terrorism, governance, food production or water their geo politics has resonance well beyond their borders.
Yet research investigating relations between these two regions is very limited. MEARI works to fill this gap enhancing understanding and shaping dialogue enabling decisions for a better future.
The Team
Benji Shulman | Executive Director
Benji Shulman is the Executive Director of The Middle East Africa Research Institute, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Middle East/Africa related involvement. He holds an undergraduate degree in Commerce and Masters in Geography both from the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) and regularly engages with ambassadors, civil society, religious leaders, policy experts, and the media from both regions.
Benji has been interviewed by and written for diverse media outlets including the BBC, Fox News, SABC, Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, The Daily Maverick, Washington Times, World Policy Journal, Deutsche Welle, and Africa in Fact.
Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe | Research Fellow
Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe is a South African journalist, political analyst, and researcher with expertise in African politics, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and socio-economic development. He holds degrees in Communication Studies and Political Science from the University of Limpopo and previously served as spokesperson for the Pan Africanist Congress. Kenneth is a popular contributor and commentator on various South African media outlets. He is currently completing a degree in Education at the University of South Africa and a Master of Arts in the African Sustainable Communities Programme at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. He was a recipient of the Mail and Guardian’s “200 Young South Africans” Award in 2024.
Joshua Schewitz | Research Fellow
Joshua Schewitz is a researcher and analyst specializing in the political and security dynamics of Africa and the Middle East, focusing on conflict, terrorism, and regional power competition. Holding a degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg, he brings a multidisciplinary lens that combines geopolitical analysis with expertise in blockchain technology and digital assets, where he has been active since 2013. His work examines the intersection of security, governance, and technological innovation, with particular attention to financial crime prevention, regulatory frameworks, and the global implications of decentralized systems.
Ziyanda Thando Nzimande | #FutureVoices Scholar
Ziyanda Thando Nzimande, is the Middle East Africa Research Institute’s #FutureVoices Scholar of 2025/2026. He has a degree in Neuroscience and is currently completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Management. A former student leader at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), he has consistently sought to combine scientific excellence with a strong commitment to advocating for change.
Ziyanda has an interest in developing his thoughts with regards to measuring the impact of policy and geopolitics. His goal in his year as the #FutureVoices scholar is to provide insightful, well-researched analysis on global affairs, informed by his scientific training, critical thinking skills, and leadership experience.