Hashem Mekki

Hashem Mekki is an educator, nonprofit founder, language-services professional, and Africa-focused policy convener based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Since 2012, he has taught Arabic language, culture, and Middle East media at The Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C., where his work connects language instruction with international affairs, regional understanding, and cross-cultural communication.

In December 2019, Mr. Mekki launched the African Strategic Forum through The Institute of World Politics to promote deeper understanding of governance, culture, development, the private sector, and African geopolitics. The forum brings together leaders, independent thinkers, and interdisciplinary experts for substantive conversations on the issues shaping the African continent and its global partnerships.

Mr. Mekki is also the host of the Momentum Africa Podcast, which features accomplished African leaders and is designed to educate, inspire, and empower current and future generations of leaders. He owns Bridge Language Solutions, a company that provides translation, interpretation, and language instruction services throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He is also the founder of Kele Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan.

Previously, Mr. Mekki worked with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and served on the board of Voices of Sudan, a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit organization. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and international studies from the City College of New York, as well as a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies and International Politics from The Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C.