Equity Group Foundation, UNDP partner to advance innovation, inclusive growth for African youth

Through this partnership, UNDP and Equity Group Foundation will establish centres of excellence under the UNDP’s flagship timbuktoo initiative to foster innovation and empower African entrepreneurs.

These centres will provide comprehensive training, mentorship, and improve access to finance, enabling the creation and growth of high-potential, climate-neutral businesses.

Speaking at the signing, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, Dr James Mwangi, lauded the collaboration as a transformative step toward empowering young people and fostering innovation to address societal challenges.

“Equity Bank was built on the principle of inclusion. The issue of inclusion, particularly in the digital, AI, and cloud computing spaces, resonates deeply with us. This partnership will not only empower young innovators with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed but will also ensure that innovation is harnessed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges," said Dr Mwangi.

"With our presence in seven African countries, serving a combined population of over 350 million people, Equity provides these young innovators with access to a vast marketplace, and the capabilities and brand strength of the Group, to serve the region as a single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

The collaboration will foster socio-economic development through targeted programs that advance economic empowerment, reduce poverty, expand access to education, and promote financial inclusion, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and climate action.

Central to this collaboration is the identification of key value chains and high-potential sectors, where UNDP and Equity Group Foundation will develop and implement targeted interventions to unlock growth and create new opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and communities.

“This partnership with Equity Group Foundation marks a significant step toward building an innovation-driven and sustainable future for Africa.

By joining forces through UNDP's timbuktoo initiative, we are nurturing entrepreneurs, reinforcing value chains, and advancing socio-economic empowerment.

This is how we move from potential to prosperity, laying the ground for lasting impact across the continent," stated Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Bureau for Africa Director.

The cooperation underscores the shared commitment of UNDP and Equity Group to advance transformation across Africa by leveraging their collective expertise and resources.

It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Equity Group's Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), emphasising innovation, inclusion, and empowering young people to lead transformative changes.