Wakawaka Doctor, a travel and migration expert, has made it his mission to help individuals from less developed countries navigate global opportunities and the complexities of migration.
A practicing psychiatrist and seasoned traveler, his journey spans 78 countries and 118 cities, having lived or worked in at least five.
His dedication has earned him accolades, including the GAHAwards 2024 Travel Influencer of the Year and a Global Recognition Award at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Festival.
In this interview, he shares his insights, challenges, and plans for creating pathways to safe and informed migration.
CA: Congratulations on your recent award wins! What do these recognitions mean to you?
Wakawaka Doctor: Thank you very much. These recognitions and awards mean the world to me because they affirm the impact of my work and the importance of creating and showing opportunities for Africans or people from less developed countries to explore the world, gain knowledge and expertise, then, in turn, impact their home country. They remind me that I’m on the right path and encourage me to keep pushing boundaries.
CA: What sparked your passion for facilitating travel and migration opportunities for Africans?
Wakawaka Doctor: The thing is—it’s not just Africans—it’s people from less developed countries. My own experiences as a first-time migrant and traveler showed me how transformative it can be. I saw firsthand how my life changed—I need no other witness. I realized many Africans face barriers to accessing these opportunities due to misinformation or lack of resources. That fuels my passion daily to bridge this gap and empower others. I want to break the mental barriers that exist in the migration space.
CA: Can you share a pivotal challenge you faced in your work? How did you overcome it?
Wakawaka Doctor: I faced and continue to face a lot of challenges. When I started, fake agents came to me to provide free information. You also had unknown faces who were making huge profits in that market come at me and try to dissuade me using threats.
That aside, a major challenge was gaining trust early on. Migration and travel are sensitive topics, and people need assurance that the advice is credible. I overcame this by being transparent, sharing personal experiences, and providing value-driven, practical guidance. Consistency built the trust. It’s ongoing and not something that stops—I need to continue to prove myself.
CA: What motivates you to continue driving change in the travel and migration industry?
Wakawaka Doctor: I get emails and direct messages every day—300 to 500 of them daily. When I read from someone who tells me they’ve secured a job, residency, or education abroad because of my guidance, it reinforces the importance of this work. It’s about creating opportunities and breaking barriers for others. Seeing lives change for the better keeps me going.
CA: How has your African heritage influenced your approach to your work?
Wakawaka Doctor: My African heritage keeps me grounded and connected to my mission. I understand the unique challenges Africans face, and this perspective helps me craft solutions that are culturally relevant and impactful. It’s a constant reminder of the potential we hold as a continent.
CA: What advice would you give to young Africans seeking travel or migration opportunities?
Wakawaka Doctor: Research and preparation are key. I always advise everyone who follows me—even if I share an opportunity—you should do your own research. It’s vital. Be strategic about your goals and seek out reliable information. Don’t let fear of rejection hold you back—every step you take is a learning opportunity.
CA: What exciting projects or initiatives are you working on to facilitate travel and migration opportunities for Africans?
Wakawaka Doctor: I’m currently working on an online platform to centralize resources for travel and migration, including visa guides, scholarships, job opportunities, and mentorship programs. This is going to be like an exclusive community designed to make these processes more accessible and transparent for Africans.
We are also working on an app that will help solve issues central to migration and travel. In the future, I hope to be part of stakeholder meetings when migration and travel is the central theme.
CA: How do you see African entrepreneurs competing globally, particularly in the travel and migration industry?
Wakawaka Doctor: African entrepreneurs have the creativity and resilience to thrive anywhere. I think by using technology and telling our unique stories, we can carve out spaces in industries like travel and migration. Collaboration is another tool as well as innovation will be key to staying competitive.
CA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from failure, and how has it shaped your approach to entrepreneurship?
Wakawaka Doctor: Failure is a part of life, and it’s taught me the value of adaptability. It has taught me to evolve and always be one step ahead. Not every plan works, and that’s okay. What matters is learning, pivoting quickly, and staying resilient. It has shaped me to see obstacles as opportunities for growth.
CA: What message would you like to share with the African diaspora, and how do you hope your work will continue to inspire and empower them?
Wakawaka Doctor: My message is simple—stay connected to your roots and be ambassadors for the continent. Don’t forget home. Migration is incomplete without its effect being seen in our home communities or country as a whole. Let’s rewrite narratives and build bridges for the future. I hope my work inspires you to dream beyond borders.
Wakawaka Doctor’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and commitment. His efforts are opening doors for countless individuals to access life-changing opportunities abroad. Through his work, he continues to inspire others to dream big, break barriers, and make a meaningful impact globally and at home.
