Mwangi Wins Forbes 'Africa Person of the Year

Managing Director of Equity Bank in Kenya, Dr. James Mwangi

The Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Equity Bank in Kenya, Dr. James Mwangi, has been named the Forbes ‘Africa Person of the Year 2012’.

The event held in Lagos, was organised by ABN Productions.
Mwangi heads the Equity Bank, Kenya's largest bank by deposits with over 8 million customers.

He transformed a liquidated micro-finance institution into one of the largest and profitable commercial banks in Africa.
He has also driven the bank's aim to transform the lives and livelihoods of people socially and economically by giving them access to modern, inclusive financial services that maximise their opportunities.

Also, Mwangi has been pivotal in the bank's investment in a robust IT platform that can accommodate 35 million accounts, as well as a level four data centre.

In his welcome address, ABN Group Head of West Africa, Frederic Van De Vyver, described Forbes as one of the world’s most well-known and respected media brands, highlighting stories of entrepreneurship and exemplary leadership.

Managing Director of the ABN Group, Roberta Naidoo, explained: “The Person of The Year award recognises the individual that has made a significant impact in business through economic growth by creating employment and spearheading innovation in the continent, having the most influence on the events of the year gone by.”

The event debuted in 2011 with Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the recipient of the award.
In his acceptance speech Mwangi urged Africans to brace up and take up the challenge of improving the continent.