Nairobi, Kenya – 21st February 2025 – His Excellency Philemon Yang, the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), visited Equity for high-level discussions centered on youth innovation, digital technology, and sustainable development. During the visit, he was hosted by Equity Group’s Chairman Professor Isaac Macharia, alongside other Board members and senior managers.

H.E. Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon and current President of UNGA, emphasized his commitment to cultivating a digital workforce, bridging the digital divide, and harnessing technology to tackle pressing development challenges.

His visit to the Group included a tour of Equity’s cutting-edge technology and innovation hub which showcases the company’s efforts to upskill young people who have been through the Equity Leaders Program, in digital technologies.

H.E. Yang said “To the youth: The efforts you make today are key to shaping your future. Cultivate a positive attitude—it will help you become a strong negotiator and foster tolerance. Never discard your imagination. In many ways, your imagination defines you and will guide you to success. Equity has given you a platform, take advantage of it, learn and use your skills to create meaningful change in the world around you.”

The discussions also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and creating opportunities for young people in the digital economy.

Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in charge of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy of Kenya, further added, “In partnership with the UN, government, and private sector, we are strengthening regional collaboration to unlock opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need. We are proud of our partnership with Equity, particularly in the field of technology. We are truly impressed by the impactful work Equity is doing to empower young people through its technology hub in Tatu City. The innovations driven by these young scholars at Equity will not only provide solutions for the continent but also play a crucial role in addressing unemployment in the country.”.

Professor Isaac Macharia, Equity Group Chairman, stated, “We are honored to host President Yang and showcase Equity’s dedication to youth empowerment and digital inclusion. We believe that investing in young people and providing them with the tools to succeed in the digital age is crucial for sustainable development.”

The meeting also attended by the UNON Director General and UN Under Secretary, Zainab Hawa Bangura, with representation from Equity’s UN agency partners from UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF and UNDP and high-ranking members of the Kenyan government, further solidifying the partnership between Equity and the United Nations in achieving shared development goals.

The visit follows a recent tour of Equity’s tech hub by the Kenyan ICT Ministry, who were impressed by the Bank and its Equity Group Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the digital space.

Through the tech hub, Equity continues to demonstrate its commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

From 2nd Left – Right: Professor Isaac Macharia, Equity Group Chairman, H.E Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director General, United Nations Nairobi and Eng. John Tanui, MBS: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in charge of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, follow a presentation by an Equity Leaders Program scholar (Left) on one of their innovations, during a visit to Equity Group.

H.E Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly (front centre), Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director General, United Nations Nairobi (front right), Eng. John Tanui, MBS: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in charge of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy (front left), some of the Equity leadership team led by Equity Group Chairman, Professor Isaac Macharia (front 2nd right) and a section of the Equity Leaders Program scholars during a visit to Equity Group.