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Equity Bank has appointed Erastus Mwencha, as Chairman, taking over from Prof Isaac Macharia who was recently appointed Equity Group board chairman.

The bank is expected to tap Mwencha’s international networks in its pursuit of a regional expansion announced last year. 

Mwencha is a career diplomat who has served as Africa Union Commission deputy chairperson. He also served as Secretary General for Common for 10 years. 

He is described in international circles as a Pan Africanist with years of progressive experience in policy formulation and institutional transformation at national, regional and continental levels.

 “We are honoured to have Mwencha taking over the board chairmanship of Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd.

His experience at the helm of AU Commission and Comesa will be instrumental in strengthening Equity Bank Kenya’s catalytic role in the country’s pursuit of becoming the economic hub for the region” said Macharia.

Group managing director and chief executive Dr James Mwangi said Equity was eager to tap into Mwencha’s vast experience and solid networks to enrich the bank’s international relations and development as the institution continues with its Pan African expansion strategy.

“His passion and advocacy for regional integration as a driver of Africa’s development, high values for strong institutional systems and a continental free trade area is well aligned with Equity’s vision of championing social economic prosperity for the people of Africa,” he said.

Mwencha said he was committed to supporting management to optimise the regional economic opportunities that are brought about by regional trading blocs  like Comesa and East African Community.