Equity Group CEO James Mwangi wins global business for peace award

Equity Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director James Mwangi has won the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award.

The award recognizes outstanding business-worthy initiatives that create economic and societal values. It was founded to provide a platform for sharing business wisdom.

“Dr. James Mwangi receives the Award for his business worthy values in championing financial inclusion for all in East and Central Africa. Dr. Mwangi helped achieve a social revolution by bringing banking services to people who previously had limited access to them, bolstering Kenya’s GDP. Dr. Mwangi is an exceptional entrepreneur and humanitarian,” said Per Saxegaard, founder of the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

Dr. Mwangi is credited with the revolution of Kenya’s banking industry by bridging the gap between the sector and the ordinary Kenyan.

In the process, Mwangi transformed Equity Group-then a struggling Micro-Finance institution into a fully-fledged bank.

Equity Group is currently Kenya’s second largest bank by asset base and the first by market capitalization through its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

“I dedicate this award to our staff and to the millions of our customers who have continuously inspired us by trusting and believing in our common purpose and dream, that together we can solve our problems by seeking innovative solutions anchored on shared value and prosperity. By walking with us, they have demonstrated resilience in pursuing their dreams and have emerged winners by improving their lives and livelihoods and bringing joy and happiness to their families and communities,” said James Mwangi.

The 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award is the latest accolade for the decorated banker who continues to receive various recognitions across the world.

Last year for instance, Mwangi was named among the 2019 Bloomberg 50 most inspiring people in the world who defined the business landscape during the year.