Dr. David Wachira

Co-founder Waya

Dr. David Wachira is a finance and economics specialist, entrepreneur, and investor with extensive experience in his field. He has previously served as a finance and economics specialist at the World Bank Group and co-Secretary for the organization’s Youth to Youth program.

Over the course of his career, David has managed and supported multibillion-dollar programs across 38 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, gaining valuable experience in private and public finance, banking, investment, financial management, tax and revenue administration, urban governance and service delivery.

Driven by his passion for financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities, David co-founded Janta Capital, a fund focused on African Investments towards SMEs, and Waya, a US-based digital banking and money transfer startup focused on minorities, immigrants, and other underserved communities. Through Waya, David is making significant contributions to the growth and development of the financial sector in the USA and beyond, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable financial system for all.

Dr. Wachira is also a versatile academic and advocate. Previously, he has taught public policy at Southern Methodist University and served as a teaching fellow and assistant professor at the University of North Texas and Wiley College, respectively. He established the Wachira Endowment for Public Service, offering scholarships to international graduate students, and co-founded the Youth Engagement Society (YES) to empower youth through mentorship and networking opportunities. Dr. Wachira holds a Ph.D. in Public Finance and Public Management and has authored publications on topics including transparency, e-government, and fiscal sustainability. Additionally, he serves on the boards of various organizations and is a member of the President’s Council at the University of North Texas.