- Equity was also awarded Best Bank for SMEs in Kenya as well as Overall Best Bank in Kenya.
- Euromoney celebrates institutions that demonstrate exceptional corporate responsibility, ethical conduct, and transformative community initiatives.
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Equity Group has triumphed at the 2024 Euromoney Awards in London, securing four accolades.
The financial institution won the awards for Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility in Africa, Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility in Kenya, and Best Bank for SMEs in Kenya, as well as Overall Best Bank in Kenya.
The bank has won four awards for two consecutive years.
These awards recognise Equity's significant CSR contributions through the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) social arm, particularly in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, social protection and financial inclusion.
Euromoney, renowned for its rigorous evaluation process, celebrates institutions that demonstrate exceptional corporate responsibility, ethical conduct, and transformative community initiatives.
“Equity's recognition as the Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility in Africa underscores the profound impact of its Social Impact Investment programs across the continent,” Euromoney said.
EGF has provided financial education to 2.47 million women and youth, supporting 570,006 MSMEs with financial training, and financing 305,771 MSMEs through the 'Young Africa Works Programme'.
EGF's initiatives in the Food and Agricultural sector have impacted 3.8 million farmers and reached 320,626 small and medium-sized farmers.
The foundation's Education and Leadership programmes, 'Wings to Fly' and 'Elimu Scholarships', have provided scholarships to 60,009 secondary school students, and the Equity Leadership Programme has enrolled over 23,825 university scholars, including 980 global university scholars with 218 gaining admission to Ivy League institutions and 3,577 TVET scholars.
Commenting on the awards, James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO said he was deeply honoured to receive the awards.
He said they serve as a validation of the bank’s commitment to social impact investment.
“Our twin-engine business model summarises our belief in the power of shared prosperity and the transformative potential of investing in our communities,” he said.
Under social protection, 5.6 million individuals have been reached with social protection programmes.
In the health sector, Equity Afya expanded its network of outpatient medical centres to 118 in Kenya and five in the DRC, attending to over 110,000 clients every month.
Under the foundation’s initiatives in energy, environment, and climate change, 29.5 million trees were planted, and 439,869 clean energy products distributed to date.
Equity's performance extended beyond regional recognition, with the institution also receiving the accolade of Best Bank for SMEs in Kenya.
As per Euromoney Awards, “this distinction highlights Equity's exceptional financial performance, strategic vision, risk management, and digital banking strategy in the Kenyan market, as well as its support for the SME sector.”.
Equity has established itself as an outstanding SME bank with a Business Banking arm and custom-made products to facilitate SMEs.
“These achievements mirror the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the trust and support of our customers and partners. These awards inspire us to continue our journey towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all,” Mwangi said.