Paul Arithi 
Equity Group Managing Director & CEO, Dr. James Mwangi,
Equity Group Managing Director & CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, has been named to the Devex Power 50 List 2026, recognizing the world’s most influential leaders shaping global development.
The Power 50 highlights individuals who are “transforming development as we know it” in a rapidly changing global landscape, where development finance, private capital, and innovation are playing an increasingly central role.
Devex cited Dr. Mwangi’s leadership in transforming Equity Group from a Kenyan lender into a leading regional financial institution serving over 22.2 million customers, as well as his strong advocacy for private sector–led growth, digital transformation, SME financing, and climate-focused initiatives.
Through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), Dr. Mwangi has been a leading voice on Africa’s path toward local capital formation, resilient value chains, and scaled enterprise, especially at a time when traditional donor funding is under pressure.
His inclusion places him alongside global heads of state and leaders of major multilateral institutions, including presidents of development banks, senior World Bank and UN officials, and global technology leaders.
This recognition comes as Kenya’s financial sector continues to expand regionally, reinforcing the country as a growing financial and technology hub for East Africa.
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