Equity Group, AfricaNenda and Gates Foundation Partner to Advance Africa’s Digital Infrastructure
Kass Digital – Nairobi, Kenya
Equity Group Holdings has partnered with AfricaNenda Foundation, with support from the Gates Foundation, to accelerate the development and implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa, a move aimed at expanding financial inclusion and driving the continent’s digital transformation.
The partnership will combine AfricaNenda’s technical and policy expertise with Equity Group’s regional footprint and digital payments experience to promote interoperable payment systems, cross-border payment solutions, digital identity, regulatory engagement, and innovation across African markets.
As part of the partnership, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, has been appointed Continental Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Champion in recognition of his leadership in advancing inclusive digital financial ecosystems across Africa.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, AfricaNenda CEO Dr. Robert Ochola said the collaboration builds on Equity Group’s success in financial inclusion and will help scale practical Digital Public Infrastructure models across 20 to 30 African countries. He noted that private-sector leadership is critical to moving DPI from policy to implementation.
Accepting the appointment, Dr. Mwangi said Digital Public Infrastructure will provide the foundation for the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation by expanding access to inclusive digital financial services.
“Digital Public Infrastructure has the power to transform economies, expand opportunity and improve lives across Africa. We will continue working with governments, regulators, development partners and the private sector to accelerate this agenda,” he said.
The initiative will support seamless cross-border payments, trusted digital identities, secure data exchange, and broader implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while creating new opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the continent.
The partnership also aligns with Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation, value addition, regional trade, and inclusive economic development.
The Gates Foundation, through its support of AfricaNenda, said the partnership will help ensure Digital Public Infrastructure delivers tangible benefits by expanding financial inclusion and improving livelihoods across Africa.
