About David
David Jeng
His Story
David's journey began during his university years. Volunteering opened his eyes to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in shaping lives and economies.
However, it was during his time working in the banking sector that he realized he was meant for more than climbing the corporate ladder.
Despite earning well, each day felt like he was working toward someone else’s dream. That clarity led to a pivotal decision — to leave and start again.
Since then, David has spent more than 12 years working across Africa’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy ecosystems.
He has trained over 4,000 entrepreneurs across 10+ countries, collaborated with international institutions such as the World Bank, International Trade Centre (ITC), and WIPO, and played a key role in scaling businesses that are solving real problems in their communities.
More than the numbers, what drives David is a relentless belief that African entrepreneurs — especially young people from underserved communities — deserve access, opportunity, and platforms to lead.
His work spans board-level policy influence, startup development from ideation to impact, and strategic support to governments navigating grassroots engagement.
In every room he enters, David brings a mission: to ensure African entrepreneurs are not only mentioned but prioritized.
This is more than a career for him. It’s a calling. And he’s just getting started.
Education
David Jeng holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of The Gambia and a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property from Africa University in Zimbabwe. His graduate research focused on the strategic use of trademarks by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in The Gambia.
He has also completed advanced legal coursework at Harvard Law School, specializing in Patent Law and Global Public Health, and a course in leadership in business under the Mandela Washington Fellowship, for young African leaders, further strengthening his expertise in innovation, intellectual property, and business strategy.
Additionally, he has also acquired some important certifications along the way, to improve his skills and grow his knowledge bank.
These are some of them:
The construction and development of the commercial circulation system for belt and food countries certificate, issued by the ministry of commerce, China.
Patent drafting program ertificate, issued by ARIPO.
Creative intelligence coach and champion certificate, issued by the university of Miami.
Business ready certificate, issued by the World Bank.
Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) mechanisms for intellectual property and technology Disputes certificate, issued by WIPO.
As a lifelong learner, David continues to expand his professional knowledge through certifications in design thinking, quality management, food safety, business development tools, and more—equipping him to solve complex challenges across Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Experience
With over a decade of hands-on experience in entrepreneurship development, innovation strategy, and public-private sector collaboration, David Jeng has become a trusted expert across Africa’s business and policy landscape.
He has served and is serving in strategic leadership roles including:
Managing Director, Chapman Xpress Financial Services
Founder and Managing Consultant, Bliss Executives
Board Director, Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Consultant, World Bank Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project
Member, National Intellectual Property Council of The Gambia
Strategy Chair, Next Einstein Forum
Empretec National trainer, UNCTAD
Co-founder The Gambia disability impact trust fund
Visiting Fellow, Penn center for innovation
Lead IP consultant, World Intellectual Property Organization
Board member, U.S. NSF internet of things for precision agriculture
From designing innovation accelerators to mediating policy dialogues, David Jeng’s experience reflects a rare blend of technical know-how, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to economic empowerment across Africa.
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Honours & Awards
David Jeng’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development across Africa has earned him widespread recognition on both national and international platforms.
Recent Awards and Honors:
Named among Africa’s most promising young CEOs driving transformational change across the continent.
Celebrated as one of the continent’s boldest young voices shaping Africa’s business and innovation future.
Recognized for his visionary impact and global collaborations across entrepreneurship, policy, and innovation.
Selected as a fellow under the U.S Department of State Young African Leadership Initiative.
Issued by the Chattered Institute of Management and Leadership.
West African Leadership and Empowerment Centre Honored for his outstanding contributions to enterprise development and leadership in the region.
Awarded only to 6 individuals who have contributed immensely to the University, David was one among those.
Issued by Next Einstein Forum for the promotion of Science, technology and innovation in Africa.
Other Distinctions
Appointed International IP Expert by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Strategy Chair – Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientist Executives Founding Member – #MyAfCFTA, a pan-African initiative supporting youth engagement in trade policy Youngest Board Director – Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Certified Master Trainer – UNCTAD Empretec Program for Entrepreneurship Business Trainer and Coach – ILO SIYB and SME Loop Programs
Be Part of It
David Jeng’s vision extends beyond personal ambition.
He is committed to building a continent where innovative ideas are supported, not overlooked — a future in which entrepreneurs, regardless of background or location, have the resources and freedom to build with confidence and ambition.
Policymakers, partners, funders, and advocates of Africa’s potential are invited to join in this mission: