James Mwangi named Africa’s Continental Digital Public Infrastructure champion
By People Daily Digital Reporter, July 6, 2026Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr James Mwangi has been appointed Africa’s inaugural Continental Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Champion, a role that will see him spearhead advocacy and collaboration aimed at accelerating the continent’s digital transformation and financial inclusion agenda.
The appointment was announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, during the signing of a strategic partnership between Equity Group Holdings, AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
The collaboration seeks to fast-track the development and implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa by strengthening digital payment ecosystems, promoting interoperable platforms and expanding access to financial services.
AfricaNenda Chief Executive Officer Dr Robert Ochola said Mwangi’s appointment recognises his leadership in advancing inclusive digital financial ecosystems and positions him to rally governments, regulators, development partners and the private sector behind Africa’s digital infrastructure agenda.
“Equity has transformed banking and financial inclusion for millions of Africans. Through this partnership, we want to build practical Digital Public Infrastructure models and scale them across 20 to 30 African markets,” Ochola said, adding that private-sector participation is essential in moving the agenda from policy to implementation.
As Continental DPI Champion, Mwangi will advocate for interoperable digital infrastructure that supports secure digital identities, seamless cross-border payments and trusted data exchange.
The initiative is expected to expand financial inclusion, empower entrepreneurs to develop scalable digital solutions and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Accepting the appointment, Mwangi said Digital Public Infrastructure represents the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.
“With humility, I accept this appointment to be the champion of Continental Digital Public Infrastructure. I will continue working with governments, regulators, development partners and the private sector to accelerate this agenda because I firmly believe Digital Public Infrastructure has the power to transform economies, expand opportunity and improve lives across Africa,” he said.
The partnership also brings together AfricaNenda’s technical expertise and Equity Group’s regional footprint to develop interoperable payment systems, strengthen cross-border payments, provide technical assistance and promote policy advocacy, with the broader goal of accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through stronger public-private collaboration.