Wangari Muikia is a key figure in Africa’s economic and governance landscape, with over 20 years of experience in shaping public finance management across the continent. As an African Fiscal Policy Economist and visionary leader, Wangari has been at the forefront of promoting fiscal policies that are rigorous, transparent, progressive, and tailored to the needs and context of the African people. Her goal is to drive sustainable growth, inclusivity, and institutional strengthening to achieve economic transformation in Africa. Wangari is widely regarded as a unifying force and trusted facilitator, earning the confidence of governments, international institutions, and top decision-makers worldwide.

In her role as the Founder and Managing Director of Expertise Global, Wangari empowers stakeholders in economics and governance with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to tackle complex fiscal policy challenges, with a keen focus on gender equality and advancing the well-being of women and children. Under her leadership, Expertise Global has partnered with organisations such as the World Bank Group, UNICEF, the International Monetary Fund, the World Food Programme, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Canadian International Development Agency, UKAID, UN Women, USAID, the African Capacity Building Foundation, among others. Through research, data analysis, capacity strengthening, strategic planning, and program support, Expertise Global collaborates with global changemakers to build frameworks that strengthen subnational revenue, enhance budget strategies, improve intergovernmental coordination, and empower governance across sectors such as education, climate, health, and more.

Among the transformative initiatives spearheaded by Wangari is the establishment of Kenya’s Aid Effectiveness Secretariat (AES) within the National Treasury, where in her capacity as a Principal Advisor in the Ministry of Finance, she created the country’s first framework for aligning development partners with national priorities. At Dalberg Global Development Advisors, she expanded operations in Africa, established the Global Fund unit in Geneva to make malaria medicines more affordable, and restructured the UN’s staffing framework in Tanzania to improve operational effectiveness. Her projects span Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and eSwatini. Wangari has also served as a guest lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the Public Finance in a Complex World course. Her contributions have been recognised with prestigious awards, including the VPU Award from the World Bank in 2003 and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Best Woman-Owned Business Award in 2019.

A respected voice in both Africa and Global media, Wangari frequently shares her insights on Bloomberg, Reuters, DW News, CNBC East Africa, and CGTN Africa, as well as at forums such as the Kenya Public Finance Management Conference, COP29, and the United Nations General Assembly. As a speaker, moderator, and knowledge partner, she shapes discourse on fiscal policy and economic resilience across Africa.

Wangari holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Public Administration in International Development from Harvard University. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, she is fluent in English and Swahili.

Wangari continues to redefine how people engage with the continent by leveraging her expertise in fiscal policy to champion Africa’s economic transformation, anchored in responsible leadership, data-informed strategies, and a deep respect for the dignity of the African people.