Dr James Mwangi, the Chief Executive Officer of Equity Group, has been appointed to the South-North Commission on Development. This independent body was set up by the German government to rethink how the Global South and North work together. The commission comprises 21 members, including Dr Mwangi, who is one of two business leaders and the only representative from Africa.
The South-North Commission on Development aims to provide recommendations that will inform the global development agenda following the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The commission is co-chaired by former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and former President of Costa Rica Laura Chinchilla. It will present interim findings in 2027 and a final report at the end of 2028.
Dr Mwangi expressed his honor in joining the commission, stating that he will bring Equity's experience in mobilizing domestic and global capital, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and promoting financial and economic inclusion. With 35 years of experience, Dr Mwangi has demonstrated that private capital and financial inclusion can drive development at scale.
Equity Group currently serves 23.3 million customers across six countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The company has achieved significant milestones, with 98% of transactions now happening outside of branches. Dr Mwangi's appointment is expected to bring valuable insights from the private sector to the commission.
The commission includes notable members such as World Bank President Ajay Banga, World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Nobel Peace laureate Dr Denis Mukwege. The commission will meet for the first time in Bangkok on October 16-17, alongside the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
The South-North Commission on Development is tasked with rethinking global development and providing recommendations to improve cooperation between the Global South and North. The commission's work will focus on leveraging resources, expertise, and knowledge to drive sustainable development and address global challenges.
Dr Mwangi's appointment to the commission is a significant recognition of his expertise and experience in driving financial inclusion and economic development in Africa. His contributions to the commission are expected to shape the global development agenda and inform strategies for achieving sustainable development goals.
Key points
- Dr James Mwangi is one of two business leaders and the only representative from Africa on the South-North Commission on Development.
- The commission aims to present interim findings in 2027 and a final report at the end of 2028 to inform the global development agenda.
- Dr Mwangi brings 35 years of experience in driving financial inclusion and economic development to the commission.
