Dr James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, has been honoured with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Visionary Award for his bold efforts to extend financial services to displaced populations across Africa, in a notable recognition of leadership.

The award was conferred during the Africa Forum on Displacement 2025 held in Nairobi, where organisers described Dr. Mwangi as an individual who has reshaped the financial landscape for refugees and their host communities.

The citation praised his innovative approach, describing him as a pioneer who has “reimagined financial systems to empower the underserved, particularly refugees and host communities, through innovative and scalable banking solutions.”

As the UNHCR Chief of Private Sector Partnerships Africa, Nancy Aburi, presented the award, she underscored Dr. Mwangi’s exceptional role by stating: “There are leaders who serve markets and those who expand them. Dr. James Mwangi has done both, and more.”

“Where most saw challenges, he saw opportunity. Equity Bank became the first commercial bank in Africa to step boldly into the displacement space,” the citation further observed.

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Taking the stage to accept the honour, Dr. Mwangi shared his reflections, offering a perspective grounded in humility.

“This award is not for me. It is for Equity Group Foundation, Equity Bank, and the millions of refugees and partners working together to give displaced persons dignity, opportunity, and the chance to transform their lives. You don’t do good to be appreciated. You do good because it’s the right thing to do,” Mwangi declared.

This Visionary Award is reserved for leaders whose work demonstrates courage, empathy, and inventive solutions to global humanitarian problems.

According to the organisers, Dr. Mwangi’s approach, deeply informed by his personal journey, continues to set an example of inclusive leadership.

Equity’s interventions have opened up critical access to banking services for thousands of refugees, providing working capital and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods, helping to reshape lives in some of the most vulnerable communities on the continent.

The award was presented during the Solutions Gala Dinner, an event hosted by the Africa Forum on Displacement’s co-convenors: UNHCR, the Amahoro Coalition, and Inkomoko.

These organisations remain dedicated to advancing support for refugees, forcibly displaced people, and stateless individuals across Africa.