Equity Group’s James Mwangi wins 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award

Equity Group Holdings Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi (PHOTO: FILE)

Equity Group Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi is the winner of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award which is also described as the “Nobel Prize for Business.”

Organisers of the award recognized Mwangi for his business worthy values in championing financial inclusion for all in East and Central Africa.

He joins previous winners which include Richard Branson of the Virgin Group who is inspired by a love of humanity and a desire for superior solutions that has made him an effective and beneficial voice, in many fields; Marilyn Carlson Nelson of Carlson Companies; Paul Polman (formerly) of Unilever and Elon Musk Founder, CEO of Tesla and lead designer of SpaceX among others.

“Dr. Mwangi has helped achieve a social revolution by bringing banking services to people who previously had limited access to them, bolstering Kenya’s GDP. He is an exceptional entrepreneur and humanitarian. The Committee sees him as a shining example of how business leaders can accelerate change and help solve the world’s problems,” said Per Saxegaard, founder of the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

“In a world of various complexities such as globalization, polarisation, and environmental struggles, this year’s honourees have led by using business as a tool for change. They are role models to society and their peers, have earned stakeholders’ trust, and stand out as advocates,” says Per Saxegaard, founder of the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

“Through their business activities, they have made substantial contributions towards reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 8: helping to achieve sustained, sustainable and inclusive growth and decent work for all,” he added.

The Equity boss dedicated the award to his staff and customers "who have continuously inspired us by trusting and believing in our common purpose and dream, that together we can solve our problems by seeking innovative solutions anchored on shared value and prosperity."

"By walking with us, they have demonstrated resilience in pursuing their dreams and have emerged winners by improving their lives and livelihoods and bringing joy and happiness to their families and communities,” Mwangi said.

“It’s my hope that this award will inspire the world to seize the COVID-19 moment as a call to build a more resilient global economy by putting purpose first and seeking business worthiness by being ethical and people-centered for a more equitable and sustainable world.”

While congratulating Mwangi on the win, John W.H Denton, The Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) wrote, "Your achievements are very inspiring, and your actions demonstrate a strong humanitarian value in doing business."

Mwangi was chosen alongside two other global leaders, Joji Felicitas Pantoja, Co-founder of Coffee for Peace in the Philippines, and Marc Benioff in the US, Chair, and CEO of Salesforce. The selection process was done by an independent Award Committee of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics.