Equity Group sustainability projects impact over 400,000 households in 2024

October 23, 2025 in Finance, Financial Services, Investment, Policy by Editor

Amb. Suquet and Dr. Mwangi unveil the report which showcases the continued integration of its tri-engine model, which focuses on Social, Economic, and Environmental pillars to drive sustainability. This approach has enabled the Group to scale its efforts in climate finance, socio-economic resilience, and nature-related risk and opportunities management, fostering a holistic and impactful business strategy.

Through cash transfers, affordable credit, and financial literacy programs during 2024, Equity Group reached over 447,355 vulnerable households, disbursing $199.7 million cash transfers and $31 million in affordable credit to foster resilience and inclusion.

Unveiling the Group’s fourth annual sustainability report earlier this week, under the theme ‘A Sustainable World is a Transformed Africa’, Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said, “Sustainability is not just a goal for Equity Group; it is the guiding principle that defines how we do business. It shapes our investments, our partnerships, and our purpose, to ensure that growth and prosperity are inclusive and enduring.”

He said, “By embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, we are not only future-proofing our business but also empowering people and protecting the planet. Our Tri-Engine Model allows us to translate this purpose into measurable impact, enabling refugees to rebuild their lives, smallholder farmers to increase productivity, and communities to access clean energy and financial opportunities. We are demonstrating that a sustainable world is indeed a transformed Africa.”

The report showcases the continued integration of its tri-engine model, which focuses on Social, Economic, and Environmental pillars to drive sustainability. This approach has enabled the Group to scale its efforts in climate finance, socio-economic resilience, and nature-related risk and opportunities management, fostering a holistic and impactful business strategy.

Group Chairman, Prof. Isaac Macharia said, “In a world facing complex challenges, we are strengthening our governance, investing in people and systems, and ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of our business model. Our tri-engine approach positions us to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders while driving Africa’s transformation through resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

The guest of honour at the event in Nairobi was Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia. He commended Equity Group for its unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability, noting that Africa must be an actor of change rather than a passive victim of decisions made elsewhere.

“Equity Group’s continued leadership in embedding sustainability into its business model demonstrates that Africa has both the vision and capacity to drive its own transformation. France is proud to be a long-term partner in this journey, working alongside Equity to strengthen SMEs, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and foster inclusive growth. Together, we are proving that sustainable development is not only possible but essential for a prosperous and resilient Africa,” he said.

The report unpacks how Equity Group is delivering measurable impact within its business operations across the seven markets it operates in: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, DRC, and Ethiopia, where it maintains a representative office. It further highlights Equity’s expanded efforts to drive environmental and nature stewardship, socio-economic transformation, and financial inclusion, showcasing its commitment to creating shared prosperity and resilience across the continent.

A key highlight is the Group’s expanded and impactful efforts through its social impact arm, the Equity Group Foundation under its Social Protection pillar, particularly in addressing the needs of refugees, host communities, and vulnerable populations. Through strategic partnerships, financial assistance, capacity-building, de-risking investments and environmental conservation initiatives, Equity has empowered marginalized populations to achieve resilience, self-reliance, economic stability, and environmental integrity reinforcing its role as a catalyst for inclusive growth, social and environmental transformation across Africa.

Equity Group Foundation is a non-profit implementing foundation set up in 2008 as the social arm of Equity Group Holdings with the aim of transforming the lives and livelihoods of our people socially and economically by availing modern, inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities.

The report covers all aspects of Equity Group, including Equity Group Holdings Plc and its prominent banking subsidiaries operating in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. It also incorporates the Representative Office in Ethiopia, the Equity Group Foundation (EGF), and other subsidiaries such as Equity Investment Bank, Equity Bancassurance Intermediary Limited, Finserve Africa Limited, Finserve Africa Trustees Limited, Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Limited, Equity Afya, and Equity Group Insurance Holdings Limited.

The Group aims to expand its presence to 15 countries and serve 100 million customers by 2030. Key initiatives include investing in next-generation technologies, enhancing customer centricity, and developing specialized services for various market segments.