Equity Bank Limited, AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa. Signed in Nairobi on July 6, 2026, the partnership targets deployment across 20 to 30 African markets to strengthen digital financial ecosystems and expand financial inclusion.
The collaboration will focus on developing interoperable payment systems, cross-border payment ecosystems, digital identity solutions, government and merchant payment platforms, and regulatory engagement. It combines AfricaNenda’s technical and policy expertise with Equity Group’s regional presence across seven African countries to accelerate implementation at scale.
The partners say the initiative seeks to address barriers to financial inclusion while supporting secure, accessible and efficient digital financial services. AfricaNenda currently works with more than 30 central banks across the continent, and the collaboration comes as an estimated 400 million Africans remain excluded from formal financial services.
Alongside the partnership, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi was appointed the inaugural Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion. In the role, he will lead advocacy efforts and strengthen public-private collaboration to advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
The initiative reflects growing momentum behind Digital Public Infrastructure as a catalyst for financial inclusion, cross-border commerce and economic development. By strengthening digital payments, identity systems and regulatory cooperation, the partnership aims to help build a more connected and inclusive digital economy across Africa.
