Avishai’s current research deals with the historical examination of late 19th century colonial interactions between Muslim communities in the Horn of Africa. In addition, Avishai examines the role played by the Egyptian occupiers in the Nile Basin and the Somali coast during the latter part of the 19th century.
Research interests: Muslim societies in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa
Contact: avishai@openu.ac.il
Miri is an economist who uses quantitative methods and field experiments to study the sustainability and effectiveness of development programs. She is currently engaged in projects about microfinance, small business growth and leadership election in saving groups. She also studies civilian participation in violent conflict. Geographically, her research to date is focused on East Africa.
Research interests: economic development, microfinance, local decision making in development programs, impact evaluation, conflict.
Contact: miristry@bgu.ac.il
Founding Partner and Steering Committee Member of Tamar Golan Africa Center
Member of Ben-Gurion University’s Board of Governors
Eytan Stibbe is a pioneer in the field of IMPACT investing. After serving as a pilot in the Israeli Air Force, Mr. Stibbe worked for Israel Aerospace Industries as a consultant on the IAI Lavi initiative. In 1985, he founded a company that built and managed infrastructure projects in developing countries. Mr. Stibbe was primarily responsible for the firm’s financing apparatus and for ensuring international cooperation. The company’s enterprises included farms, agricultural processing plants, youth villages, and airports.
In 2010, Mr. Stibbe founded the Vital Capital Fund, which aims to improve the personal, economic, and social welfare of underprivileged communities, primarily in Africa. The fund conducts socially conscious investing while keeping to ESG criteria. Through the fund’s projects, millions of people have gained access to vital services, such as clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare.
Eytan Stibbe is currently a member of the World Economic Forum and the Bridges Israel Strategic Advisory Board as well as a founding partner of the Anatta Foundation.
In 2022, Mr. Stibbe is scheduled to take part in the Rakia mission to space. He will fly to the International Space Station with a private crew on behalf of the Ramon Foundation, of which he is also a founding partner. As part of the mission, Stibbe will carry out a variety of educational and scientific experiments.
Department of Politics and Government and the Centre for the Study of European Politics and Society
