Equity Bank Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi has been appointed to the Global Agenda Council on New Economic Thinking which is a council of the World Economic Forum. The council is a global brain trust that will set the direction for global, regional and industry agendas. The appointment comes shortly after Dr Mwangi received an invitation to serve as a council member at the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.

The New Alliance is a shared commitment to achieve sustained and inclusive agricultural growth and raise 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years by aligning the commitment of Africa’s leadership to drive effective country plans and policies for food security; the commitments of private sector partners to increase investments where the conditions are right; and the commitments of the G8 to expand Africa’s potential for rapid and sustainable agricultural growth.

"With about 60% of the arable land in the world in Africa, there is great potential for the continent to be food secure and feed the rest of the World. The New Alliance will work with the G8 countries to support African initiatives in exploiting its agricultural potential." Mwangi said.

Professor Klaus Schwab, the Founder Chairman of the World Economic Forum said while inviting Dr Mwangi to the Council, “ never before has there been a more urgent and relevant time for such an interdisciplinary expert network to provide thought leadership.”

Speaking on the recent appointments, Dr Mwangi who is also the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year said, "It is a great honor and a humbling moment.  Africa is standing at the brink of economic take off and needs a concerted effort in embracing new thinking and innovations to realize the continent’s potential. "

Mwangi won the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award  becoming the first business leader from Sub Saharan Africa to win the award. He was also among the finalists who were inducted to the Entrepreneur Of The Year Hall of Fame and the World Entrepreneurship Academy.