Bloomberg Businessweek has honored Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, to the 2019 Bloomberg 50.
This is an honorary list of fifty innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have impacted the global business landscape in measurable ways. Dr. Mwangi was honored alongside environmental activist Greta Thunberg, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Comedian Jon Stewart, Singer Rihanna, CNN President and Warner Media Chairman Jeff Zucker, Founder of Fairfight Stacey Abrams and Gymnast Simone Biles.
“I am honored to be part of this incredible group of people, who are changing the world in significant ways and driving their important messages home, with commitment and passion,” said Dr. Mwangi.
“Our vision is to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa by providing the capacity, tools, and technologies to do so.
At Equity Group we believe in doing well by doing good, and that every person on our African continent should have access to financial solutions that give them the capability to transform their lives, have dignity and expand opportunities for wealth creation.”
He added, “The Group places equity and inclusion, and social good as an essential core philosophy, and leverages our corporate resources to deliver value propositions to our communities. The Group’s innovative and competitive products are tailored to empower our consumers, businesses, and communities whilst also delivering significant value to its stakeholders.”
Bloomberg 50 represents the most influential thought leaders in business who merit recognition and applause for their achievements in the business scene. It highlights inspirational innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are changing the game in quantifiable ways – from finance to fashion, entertainment to manufacturing, biotech, philanthropy and almost everything in between.
Each year, The Bloomberg 50 honorees are celebrated in a special issue of Bloomberg Businessweek across all platforms. Bloomberg Businessweek is a weekly publication available in over 150 countries across the world. The publication focuses heavily on research and in providing a detailed analysis of trends in global economics, companies and industries, politics and policy, technology, markets and finance, innovation and design, and lifestyle.
Dr. Mwangi is being lauded for his contribution in steering Equity Bank to have a presence in the greater Central and Southern Africa region. This is through the bold move of acquiring stakes in DRC, Mozambique and Zambia’s banking sector through transactions with the Banque Commercial du Congo (BCDC) and Atlas Mara Ltd respectively. The Bank also opened a representative office in Ethiopia, becoming one of the biggest banks with regard to customer penetration in Eastern and Central Africa.
In addition, Dr. Mwangi is the founder of Equity Group Foundation, Equity Group’s not for profit implementing social arm set up with the aim of championing the transformation of lives and livelihoods through the development and implementation of innovative programmes that leverage existing infrastructure and link partners to the bottom of the pyramid. Since its inception, the Foundation has significantly enhanced the coordination of corporate social responsibility interventions for Equity Group Holdings Plc.
Dr. Mwangi, a celebrated African entrepreneur has over the years been recognized locally and globally for his contribution to the socio-economic transformation of the people of Africa. He was named by the Financial Times as one of the top 50 thought leaders in emerging markets and among the top 20 most influential people in Africa.
In 2012 he was awarded as the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Africa Investor Awards named him Africa CEO of the Year in 2009 and 2015, and then as Innovation Leader of the Year in 2012. The African Banker named him African Banker of the year in 2010, 2011 and 2018. He is the inaugural winner of the African Leader of the Year by the African Leadership Network and the Forbes Person of the Year 2012. He was named the Banker of the Year during the 4th Banker Africa – East Africa Awards 2017 and 2018.
In Kenya, Dr. Mwangi has been vested with the First-Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) national decoration-the highest presidential award to a civilian, for outstanding contribution in economic development. He was also awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Head of State Commendation (HSC).
