Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi has been appointed Africa’s Continental Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Champion, a role that will see him champion efforts to advance digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent.
The appointment, announced on Monday, July 6, recognizes Dr. Mwangi’s role in advancing inclusive digital financial ecosystems through Equity Group’s regional operations and digital banking platforms.
“Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, has been appointed the Continental Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Champion in recognition of his leadership in advancing inclusive digital financial ecosystems and his commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation agenda,” read the announcement.
James Mwangi Takes Continental Digital Role
The announcement came as Equity Group entered into a strategic partnership with AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation to accelerate the development and implementation of digital infrastructure across Africa.
Robert Karanja, Founder and Senior Advisor at DPI4Africa and Board Member of the Mojaloop Foundation, said accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure across Africa will require strong private-sector leadership working alongside governments to drive adoption, innovation, and financial inclusion.
“Today, we are presenting a symbolic plaque bearing Dr. Mwangi’s name in recognition of his appointment as Africa’s inaugural Digital Public Infrastructure Champion. This honor reflects his leadership and commitment to advancing digital transformation across the continent. His leadership will bring together a coalition of willing partners to accelerate the adoption and implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure across Africa,” he said.
Driving Financial Inclusion Through Digital Infrastructure
In his new role, Dr. Mwangi will champion interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure to accelerate financial inclusion, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for millions of Africans.
By lowering the cost of accessing trusted digital platforms, DPI is expected to support young innovators and entrepreneurs to build scalable digital solutions, access regional markets, and create jobs, contributing to Africa’s digital economy and inclusive growth.
The initiative will also support seamless cross-border payments, trusted digital identities, and secure data exchange, while strengthening regional economic integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Equity Partners With AfricaNenda and Gates Foundation
The partnership between Equity Group, AfricaNenda Foundation, and the Gates Foundation will focus on expanding digital payment systems, strengthening financial access, and supporting digital infrastructure that can connect millions of Africans to the digital economy.
Through the collaboration, Equity Group and AfricaNenda will work with governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to promote interoperable payment systems, digital payment innovation, cross-border payment solutions, and secure digital services.
Speaking during the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), AfricaNenda CEO Dr. Robert Ochola said the partnership would help move Africa’s digital infrastructure agenda from policy discussions to practical implementation.
“Equity has transformed banking and financial inclusion for millions of Africans. Yet nearly 400 million people across the continent remain excluded from formal financial services,” Ochola said.
He added that the partnership aims to develop practical Digital Public Infrastructure models that can be scaled across 20 to 30 African markets.
“Digital Public Infrastructure cannot succeed without private-sector participation. Equity brings the execution capability, market reach, and innovation needed to move this agenda from policy to implementation. We are delighted that Dr. James Mwangi has accepted the role of championing this initiative across the continent,” he said.
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James Mwangi: Digital Infrastructure Will Transform Africa’s Future
On his part, James Mwangi said the partnership aligns with Equity Group’s long-standing mission of promoting socio-economic transformation across Africa.
“Digital Public Infrastructure provides the foundation for the next phase of that transformation by enabling inclusive digital financial services that reach every citizen,” he said.
He added that the private sector should work alongside governments to build critical digital systems, including digital identity and interoperable payment platforms.
“We are not asking governments to surrender ownership of public infrastructure. Instead, we are demonstrating how the private sector can partner with governments to accelerate the implementation of critical digital infrastructure,” Mwangi said.
The Gates Foundation said it was supporting the partnership because digital infrastructure must deliver real benefits to citizens by improving financial inclusion and access to services.
Nanjira Sambuli, Senior Advocacy Officer for Africa at the Gates Foundation, said the success of Digital Public Infrastructure should be measured by how effectively people use it to improve their lives.
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