David Okpatuma is a Nigerian development practitioner and emerging policy leader with more than a decade of experience working across youth development, peacebuilding, social impact, and international cooperation. His work spans local communities, regional networks, and global platforms, and he has built a career around strengthening the ability of young people and institutions in Africa to shape decisions that affect their lives.
He is the Co-Founder of the Development and Cooperation for Africa Initiative, where he leads strategy, partnerships, and program design focused on leadership, inclusive development, and human capital. Under his guidance, the initiative has grown into a multidisciplinary team working across several African countries, partnering with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors. He led mentorship structures, expanded community development programs, and built collaborations that reflect Africa’s evolving development priorities.
Beyond his organizational leadership, David plays an active role in global youth diplomacy. As a core team member of the Friends for Leadership network, he helps manage international communications, moderate debates at high-level forums, and coordinate side events at gatherings such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Internet Governance Forum, and the ECUMENE Global Financial Forum. His work makes him a bridge between African perspectives and global policy spaces.
David holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the Moscow State Institute for International Relations (MGIMO) University, and is a doctoral candidate of World Politics and Regional Studies at the Lomonosov Moscow State University. At the core of his work is a commitment to inclusive development in Africa, grounded in field experience, and policy engagement
Cultural and Media Cooperation Specialist
International and Regional Cooperation Directorate, Roscongress Foundation
