Gates Foundation Backs New Digital Infrastructure Drive to Connect Millions Across Africa
Dr. James Mwangi has been named Africa's first Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion as the new partnership aims to expand financial inclusion and strengthen digital payment systems across up to 30 African countries.
Equity Group, AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation launch a strategic partnership to expand digital public infrastructure, with Dr. James Mwangi appointed as Africa’s first Continental DPI Champion.
NAIROBI, Kenya, the Gates Foundation, AfricaNenda Foundation, and Equity Group Holdings have launched a major partnership aimed at accelerating the rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa, in a move expected to strengthen financial inclusion, modernise payment systems and support the continent’s digital transformation.
The partnership, announced in Nairobi, brings together one of Africa’s largest banking groups, a leading digital payments organisation and one of the world’s biggest philanthropic foundations to help African governments and private-sector institutions build secure, interoperable digital systems that improve access to financial and public services.
As part of the initiative, Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Equity Group Holdings, has been appointed Africa’s first Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion. In his new role, he will work with governments, regulators, financial institutions and development partners to promote the adoption of digital public infrastructure across the continent.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Robert Ochola, Chief Executive Officer of AfricaNenda Foundation, said nearly 400 million Africans remain excluded from formal financial services, making stronger digital infrastructure essential for expanding financial inclusion and economic participation.
The partners said the collaboration will focus on developing interoperable digital payment systems, trusted digital identity platforms and secure data-sharing frameworks that can be replicated across 20 to 30 African countries. These systems are expected to make it easier for citizens to access banking services, government programmes and cross-border digital payments.
According to the Gates Foundation, investment in digital public infrastructure has become increasingly important as African economies continue to embrace digital transformation and seek more efficient ways to deliver public services while supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The initiative will also leverage Equity Group’s extensive banking network across East and Central Africa to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can accelerate the adoption of digital technologies at scale.
Industry experts believe stronger digital infrastructure could significantly improve financial inclusion, reduce transaction costs, promote cross-border trade and create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across Africa.
With governments across the continent increasingly investing in digital identity systems, electronic payments and online public services, the partnership is expected to play an important role in building a more connected and inclusive digital economy.
The announcement reinforces the Gates Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting Africa’s development through technology and innovation while strengthening collaboration between governments, financial institutions and the private sector to expand access to digital services.
TNAM
By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
Thursday 16th July, 2026.
