Equity Group CEO James Mwangi has identified bad politics, inflation, and exchange rate volatility as major risks confronting businesses operating in Africa. Mwangi's remarks came during a knowledge exchange session held at the Equity Centre in Nairobi with 30 MBA students (Class of 2025-2026) from Columbia Business School. The session centered on Equity Group’s business model and the role of the Equity Group Foundation in facilitating business growth and expansion across East Africa.

Despite these challenges, Mwangi emphasized Africa's immense business potential and opportunities, particularly highlighting its burgeoning youthful population as a significant advantage. He also noted that climate change is a major factor affecting agriculture-dependent economies on the continent.

"You can have a successful business in Africa with global investment and shareholding," Mwangi stated, referencing Equity Group’s own business model and shareholder structure as an example.

Mwangi further detailed Equity Group’s holistic tri-engine model, which integrates economic, nature, and environmental aspects to drive a sustainable business approach. He explained how Equity Group demystified banking by extending services to villages using Land Rovers and incorporating agency banking. This involved empowering shopkeepers in rural areas with banking apps, mobile phones, and Point of Sale (POS) systems to deliver basic banking services. He noted the group also embraced digitalization.

The MBA students from Columbia Business School represented diverse fields of study, including finance and investment, venture capital and entrepreneurship, technology, media and consulting, and social impact and sustainability. Stephan Meier, the James P Gorman professor of business strategy and the chair of the management division at Columbia Business School, stated that these trips are vital to ensure that their students are exposed to global business practices and thought leadership.