Equity, AfricaNenda and Gates Foundation Partner to Accelerate Digital Public Infrastructure Across Africa
Equity Group Holdings, AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa.
The collaboration seeks to strengthen digital payment ecosystems, expand financial inclusion and support Africa’s digital transformation by promoting stronger cooperation between governments, technology providers and private sector organisations.
As part of the partnership, Equity Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Mwangi, has been appointed Africa’s Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion in recognition of his leadership in advancing inclusive digital financial solutions and supporting technology-driven economic development.
Building Scalable Digital Infrastructure for Africa
The partnership brings together AfricaNenda’s expertise in digital public infrastructure, policy development and ecosystem coordination with Equity Group’s extensive African presence, digital payments capabilities and experience implementing financial inclusion initiatives.
Together, the organisations will focus on accelerating the deployment of interoperable digital systems that can support areas such as digital payments, identity solutions, government services and secure data exchange.
The partners aim to develop practical DPI models that can be expanded across multiple African markets, helping more people access affordable and reliable digital services.
Strengthening Financial Inclusion Through Digital Payments
Africa continues to experience rapid growth in digital financial services, but millions of people remain excluded from formal financial systems.
Through this collaboration, the partners will support the creation of connected payment networks, cross-border payment solutions and digital platforms that allow individuals, businesses and governments to participate more effectively in the digital economy.
AfricaNenda CEO Dr. Robert Ochola said the partnership builds on Equity Group’s history of expanding financial access and will help move Digital Public Infrastructure from policy discussions into practical implementation.
He noted that private sector participation will be essential in scaling DPI solutions across the continent, combining innovation, technical expertise and market reach.
Role of Equity’s Digital Public Infrastructure Champion
As Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion, Dr. James Mwangi will work with governments, regulators, development partners and private sector organisations to promote the adoption of interoperable digital infrastructure.
The role will focus on advancing systems that enable:
• Digital payments across borders
• Trusted digital identity solutions
• Secure data exchange
• Greater access to digital financial services
• New opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators
The partners believe DPI can help reduce barriers for businesses, support job creation and contribute to regional economic integration, including efforts linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Supporting Africa’s Digital Economy Growth
The collaboration aligns with Equity Group’s broader mission of promoting economic transformation and financial inclusion across Africa.
Dr. James Mwangi said Digital Public Infrastructure will provide the foundation for the next stage of Africa’s digital growth by enabling more inclusive financial services and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.
The Gates Foundation also highlighted the importance of ensuring that digital infrastructure delivers practical benefits for citizens.
According to Nanjira Sambuli, Senior Advocacy Officer for Africa at the Gates Foundation, successful DPI should not only focus on building systems but also on ensuring that people can use them to improve their economic opportunities and quality of life.
Expanding Public-Private Collaboration
AfricaNenda currently works with more than 30 central banks across Africa to support digital payment development and financial inclusion.
Through this new partnership, Equity Group, AfricaNenda and the Gates Foundation will collaborate with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can accelerate digital transformation.
The initiative represents a significant step toward building a more connected African digital economy where individuals, businesses and governments can benefit from accessible, secure and interoperable digital services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to shared digital systems that enable essential services such as payments, identity verification and data exchange. These platforms are designed to support public and private sector innovation.
2. Why are Equity Group, AfricaNenda and the Gates Foundation partnering on DPI?
The partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation in Africa by combining technical expertise, financial sector experience and funding support to expand inclusive digital systems.
3. What role will Dr. James Mwangi play in the partnership?
Dr. James Mwangi has been appointed Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion. He will help promote collaboration between governments, private companies and development organisations to advance DPI adoption across Africa.
4. How can Digital Public Infrastructure improve financial inclusion?
DPI can make digital financial services easier and cheaper to access by enabling interoperable payment systems, digital identities and secure platforms for individuals and businesses.
5. What benefits can businesses gain from Digital Public Infrastructure?
Businesses can benefit from easier payments, improved access to markets, lower transaction costs and opportunities to develop new digital solutions on shared infrastructure.
6. How does DPI support Africa’s digital economy?
DPI creates a foundation for innovation by allowing entrepreneurs, companies and governments to build digital services that improve access to finance, trade and public services.
7. What countries will benefit from this partnership?
The partnership aims to support digital infrastructure development across multiple African markets, with the goal of expanding DPI adoption across the continent.
8. What is the role of the private sector in Digital Public Infrastructure?
Private sector organisations provide technology expertise, innovation and implementation support that can help governments develop and scale effective digital infrastructure solutions.
9. How does Digital Public Infrastructure support cross-border payments?
Interoperable digital systems can connect payment networks between countries, making regional transactions faster, more affordable and easier for individuals and businesses.
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