Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi has been appointed to the South-North Commission on Development.
The German government established the independent commission in June 2026. It aims to rebuild trust between the Global North and Global South.
In addition, the commission will review global cooperation rules. It will also promote stronger multilateral relations between the two regions.
Mwangi joins global development experts
Mwangi joins 19 other commissioners on the new body.
The commission introduced its members in Berlin on October 5. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and former Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla serve as co-chairs.
Meanwhile, the commission has about 22 senior experts. They come from politics, academia, civil society and the private sector.
In addition, its membership includes representatives from international institutions, former government leaders, development experts, researchers and business leaders.
Commission builds on Brandt legacy
The new commission draws inspiration from the 1977 Brandt Commission.
Former German Chancellor Willy Brandt chaired the earlier commission. As a result, it played an important role in shaping discussions around global development and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Mwangi welcomed his appointment to the new commission.
He said Africa should play a bigger role in shaping global development policies.
“Willy Brandt’s Commission gave the world the language of interdependence. Fifty years on, our task is to turn that language into partnerships that work,” Mwangi said.
He added that Africa should no longer be viewed mainly through the lens of aid.
Instead, he said the continent is a source of growth, talent, innovation and investment.
“It is a source of growth, talent, innovation and investment,” he said.
Mwangi to share Equity experience
The Equity Group CEO said he would bring his financial sector experience to the commission.
In particular, he highlighted Equity’s work in mobilising capital. He also pointed to its support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“I will bring what Equity has learned about mobilising domestic and global capital, backing entrepreneurs and small businesses, and making financial and economic inclusion a platform for jobs and shared prosperity,” he said.
Commission to meet in Bangkok
The South-North Commission will hold its first meeting in Bangkok from October 16 to 17.
The meeting will take place alongside the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
According to Equity Group, the commission plans to release interim findings in 2027.
After that, it will publish its final report at the end of 2028.
The recommendations will then help shape the global development agenda after the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Its recommendations will inform the global development agenda that follows the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” Equity Group said.
Mwangi joins prominent global figures
Mwangi will work alongside several prominent international leaders and experts.
For example, the commission includes World Bank President Ajay Banga and World Trade Organization Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Other members include UN Development Programme Administrator Alexander De Croo and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege.
Furthermore, the commission includes former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Former Senegal Prime Minister Aminata Touré and former Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati are also members.
Former Spain Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya also serves on the commission. Likewise, former Brazil Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira and former Uruguay Foreign Minister Omar Paganini Herrera are members.
Other members include German Red Cross President Hermann Grohe, Cornell University Professor Kaushik Basu, Schwarzman College Dean Professor Xue Lan and researcher Elsy Milan.
Finally, Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Chair of Promotora Empresarial de Occidente, is also part of the commission.