Dr. James Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan banker and CEO of Equity Group, has joined a high-level Global Advisory Council aimed at addressing unemployment challenges, particularly for youth and women in developing nations.
The council, co-chaired by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, seeks to create innovative and scalable solutions to combat poverty and unemployment in the Global South.
Focus on Africa’s Future: 50 Million Jobs by 2030
During his appointment, Dr. Mwangi emphasized the importance of investing in Africa’s youth for sustainable development.
“Young people are our future and the key to sustainable development for the continent. Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan aims to create 50 million jobs in the region by 2030. I intend to leverage insights from this council to maximize the impact of this initiative,” said Dr. Mwangi.
This ambitious job creation plan aligns with Africa’s demographic potential, positioning the continent to benefit from a growing working-age population.
Council’s Mission and Global Context
The advisory council was launched during the 2024 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meeting. Its primary goal is to tackle the anticipated surge of 1.2 billion working-age adults in the Global South by 2030.
Council members, including Dr. Mwangi and 13 other global leaders, will work on shaping policies to transform employment landscapes worldwide. Their efforts will focus on providing opportunities for youth and women, who are often disproportionately affected by unemployment.
Recognition and Collaboration
Dr. Mwangi’s appointment letter, signed by co-chairs Tharman, Bachelet, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, highlighted his invaluable contributions:
“We would be immensely grateful to benefit from your deep expertise, experience, and unique perspectives as a member of the Council.”
The council’s collaborative approach is expected to drive tangible results in tackling global employment challenges, with a special focus on the Global South.
