Equity Group Holdings MD and CEO Dr James Mwangi has been conferred the Freedom of the City of London, which is one of the world’s oldest and most cherished civic honours.

Dr Mwangi received the award in celebration of his commitment to financial inclusivity, equitable economic development, as well as the empowerment of underserved communities across Africa.

He joins an elite list of changemakers whose transformative leadership has shaped societies and elevated humanity including Nelson Mandela, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Lee Kuan Yew, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Otto von Habsburg.

The award dinner was attended by government officials led by Trade and Investments CS Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK Catherine Wahome, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chairman Lord Jonathan Marland, as well as Dr Mwangi’s friends and colleagues.

“This honour reaffirms that purposeful leadership has the power to transform lives, unlock potential, and restore dignity to communities,” stated Dr Mwangi.

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He added: “It is also a global recognition that Africa’s time is now and our stories, innovations, and people matter on the world stage.”

The Freedom of the City of London award dates back to the 12th century with other key business and innovation figures like Bill Gates, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Sanjiv Chadha also receiving the award.

The Freedom of the City of London was originally established around 1237 and signified the status of a 'free man' protected by the City's charter and recognizes individuals who have shown brilliant service to society in areas like leadership, community service, innovation, and inclusion.

Dr Mwangi leads one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions and he has been instrumental in shaping global conversations about financial inclusion and development, and opportunity.

He is the East and Central Africa Hub of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) chairman; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations Global Board of Advisors; and a member of the World Bank Group High-level Advisory Council on Jobs.

Dr Mwangi sits at a pole position giving him an upper hand in connecting Africa with the global community to bring African perspectives into boardrooms, policy forums, and economic strategies.