Equity Group Holdings has entered a strategic partnership with AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation to accelerate the rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa, deepening efforts to expand financial inclusion, modernize digital payment systems and support regional trade.
The collaboration brings together AfricaNenda’s expertise in digital payment ecosystems and policy development with Equity Group’s regional banking footprint, creating what the partners describe as a practical implementation model for interoperable digital infrastructure across the continent.
James Mwangi Takes on Continental DPI Champion Role
As part of the agreement, Equity Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi has been appointed Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion.
The role will see him advocate for wider adoption of interoperable digital systems across African markets while working with governments, regulators, development partners and private-sector organizations to advance implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure.
According to the partners, the appointment recognizes Dr. Mwangi’s long-standing contribution to financial inclusion and digital transformation across Africa.
Robert Karanja, Founder and Senior Advisor at DPI4Africa and a board member of the Mojaloop Foundation, said the new role is expected to help mobilize governments, development partners and private-sector institutions behind Africa’s Digital Public Infrastructure agenda.
Partnership Targets Cross-Border Payments and Digital Inclusion
The organizations plan to support interoperable payment systems, cross-border payment infrastructure, merchant payment solutions, government payment platforms, regulatory engagement and technical assistance.
Beyond payments, the partnership also seeks to promote digital identity systems and trusted data exchange—three core building blocks of Digital Public Infrastructure that enable secure and connected digital services.
AfricaNenda Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Ochola said the partnership is designed to bridge the gap between policy ambitions and real-world implementation.
While mobile money has transformed access to financial services across much of Africa, he noted that nearly 400 million people remain outside the formal financial system.
Ochola said the organizations intend to develop practical Digital Public Infrastructure models that can be scaled across 20 to 30 African markets.
Supporting Africa’s Digital Economy and AfCFTA
A major objective of the partnership is improving cross-border digital payments to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
More interoperable payment systems could make regional trade faster and more efficient by reducing barriers to moving money between African countries, while also supporting merchants, businesses and public institutions operating across borders.
The initiative aligns with growing efforts to build digital infrastructure capable of supporting Africa’s expanding digital economy beyond individual national payment systems.
Equity Group Sees DPI as the Next Stage of Economic Transformation
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr. Mwangi said Digital Public Infrastructure represents the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation by creating the foundation for more inclusive digital financial services.
He said the private sector can accelerate implementation by working alongside governments rather than replacing public infrastructure, helping build interoperable payment systems, digital identity platforms and other shared digital services.
The initiative also reinforces Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which focuses on digital innovation, value addition, regional trade and investment across key sectors.
Gates Foundation Focuses on Practical Impact
The Gates Foundation said its support reflects the need for Digital Public Infrastructure to deliver measurable benefits for citizens rather than simply creating new digital systems.
Nanjira Sambuli, Senior Advocacy Officer for Africa in Inclusive Financial Systems and Digital Public Infrastructure at the Gates Foundation, said the success of Digital Public Infrastructure should ultimately be measured by how people use it to improve their livelihoods.
She added that Equity Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to expanding financial inclusion and supporting socio-economic development across Africa.
AfricaNenda Eyes Faster DPI Adoption Across the Continent
Working with more than 30 central banks across Africa, AfricaNenda said the collaboration is expected to accelerate Digital Public Infrastructure implementation through stronger cooperation between governments, regulators and the private sector.
The partners said they will work with public institutions and industry stakeholders to demonstrate how interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure can expand financial inclusion, strengthen cross-border payments and support Africa’s broader digital economy.
