Centum Group CEO, James Mworia says Africa needs more equity capital providers

Centum Group CEO, James Mworia recently shared insights at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, highlighting the crucial need for equity capital providers in Africa. The event brought together leaders from various industries across the continent to discuss important themes and opportunities. Mworia, leading a diversified financial services group, emphasized the shortage of equity capital providers in Africa, noting the abundance of debt providers in comparison. This gap presents a significant opportunity for Centum to play a vital role in the market. During the forum, Mworia mentioned positive engagements in the housing sector, where Centum supports a portfolio company that secured a $20 million agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This reaffirmed their commitment to fostering growth and investment in the housing space. Furthermore, Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (TRIFIC), a special economic zone focusing on services, showcased their offerings at the forum, demonstrating Centum's involvement in supporting various sectors. The company is also developing a free zone in Vipingo, located on the Kenyan coast, to support industrial companies and promote value addition, exports, and job creation within the continent. Engagements with digital players underscore Centum's efforts to facilitate infrastructure development, particularly in data centres. Mworia expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the forum, highlighting the significance of peer collaborations to drive mutual value. As he prepares to return to Kenya, Mworia acknowledges the work ahead, expressing gratitude for the productive discussions and networking opportunities at the event.