Dr James Mwangi is the Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, the leading bank in East and Central Africa, which focuses on serving customers at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Growing up in a rural village in Kenya, Mwangi experienced first-hand how exclusion from the financial system meant exclusion from society. Through his work, he has given 96% of the un-banked population in the country the opportunity for broader economic participation. Under his leadership, Equity Bank is now one of the most inclusive banks in the world with 13 million clients across the socio-economic spectrum.

“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,” said Mwangi. “I share this award with our micro, small and medium entrepreneurs who wake up every day to create wealth and opportunities for our society.”