Equity Group Partners with AfricaNenda and Gates Foundation to Accelerate Africa’s Digital Economy
Equity Group has announced a landmark strategic partnership with the AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation aimed at accelerating the development and implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa.
The partnership seeks to transform how millions of Africans access financial services by promoting interoperable payment systems, expanding financial inclusion, and strengthening the continent’s digital economy.
As part of the announcement, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi has been appointed the Continental Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Champion, recognizing his leadership in driving digital financial innovation and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
The collaboration represents a significant milestone for Africa’s financial sector as governments, financial institutions, and development partners work together to build secure and accessible digital ecosystems capable of supporting sustainable economic development.
Driving Financial Inclusion Across Africa
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to shared digital systems such as digital identity, payment platforms, and data exchange networks that enable governments, businesses, and financial institutions to deliver services more efficiently.
The new partnership aims to:
- Expand access to formal financial services
- Strengthen interoperable payment systems across African countries
- Promote affordable and secure digital transactions
- Support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Encourage innovation among African entrepreneurs
- Create new employment opportunities within the digital economy
According to Equity Group, the initiative will help millions of underserved Africans participate more fully in formal financial systems while accelerating regional economic integration.
James Mwangi Named Continental DPI Champion
The appointment of Dr. James Mwangi as the Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion highlights Equity Group’s growing influence in Africa’s financial transformation.
Over the past two decades, Equity Group has become one of Africa’s leading financial institutions by focusing on financial inclusion, digital banking, SME financing, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
His new continental role is expected to help mobilize partnerships between governments, regulators, development organizations, and private sector institutions to accelerate digital transformation across Africa.
Nearly 400 Million Africans Remain Financially Excluded
Speaking during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, AfricaNenda Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Ochola emphasized the urgency of expanding access to financial services.
He noted that although Equity Group has already transformed banking for millions of Africans, approximately 400 million people across the continent still remain outside the formal financial system.
According to Dr. Ochola, the partnership seeks to build practical Digital Public Infrastructure models that can eventually be scaled across 20 to 30 African countries, significantly expanding access to digital financial services.
The initiative is expected to improve efficiency while lowering transaction costs for businesses and consumers alike.
Supporting AfCFTA and Cross-Border Payments
One of the biggest opportunities created by Digital Public Infrastructure lies in improving cross-border trade.
Africa continues to experience relatively high payment costs, fragmented banking systems, and limited interoperability between financial institutions.
The partnership seeks to address these challenges by creating interoperable payment networks that make it easier for businesses and individuals to send and receive money across borders.
Efficient payment infrastructure will also support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by reducing barriers to regional trade and encouraging investment among African economies.
What This Means for the Kenyan Diaspora
For millions of Kenyans living abroad, improved Digital Public Infrastructure could significantly enhance the way they support families and invest back home.
The Kenyan diaspora remits billions of dollars to Kenya annually, making remittances one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, diaspora remittances reached approximately US$4.95 billion in 2025, reflecting continued growth in money sent home by Kenyans living overseas.
Improved digital payment systems could provide several benefits for diaspora communities:
- Faster international money transfers
- Lower remittance transaction costs
- Greater interoperability between financial institutions
- Improved access to digital banking services
- Easier investment in businesses and property
- Better financial inclusion for recipients in rural communities
For entrepreneurs operating between Africa and the diaspora, streamlined payment systems may also simplify cross-border commerce and reduce delays associated with international banking.
Expert Perspective
Financial technology experts have consistently argued that Digital Public Infrastructure serves as a foundational layer for inclusive economic development.
Countries that successfully implement interoperable digital payment systems often experience:
- Increased formal financial participation
- Higher business productivity
- Greater government service efficiency
- Improved transparency
- Expanded innovation ecosystems
Public-private partnerships involving financial institutions, development organizations, and governments are increasingly viewed as the most effective approach to scaling digital infrastructure while ensuring accessibility and security.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Equity Group, AfricaNenda Foundation, and the Gates Foundation demonstrates growing momentum toward building a digitally connected African economy.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could reshape financial services across the continent by making banking more inclusive, payments more efficient, and regional trade more seamless.
For the Kenyan diaspora, these developments represent more than technological progress—they could translate into faster remittances, easier investments, expanded business opportunities, and stronger economic connections with home.
As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, partnerships such as this are expected to play a central role in creating an inclusive financial ecosystem that benefits individuals, businesses, and entire economies.
Equity Bank operates a 24-hour Diaspora Support Center.
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: +254763026481
- Live chat: Available on the official Equity website
- Visit: https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/diaspora-banking/
