Aspire Africa | Issue 2.

Page 8

#Fact China is Africa’s top trade partner, with Sino-African trade volumes now nearing $200 billion per year.

News

Choiseul 100 Fetes Centum Group CEO, James Mworia business leaders based on potential and leadership, influence and networks, background and skill and reputation.

Image: Centum

Centum Investment Group CEO Mr. James Mworia is among 9 Kenyans feted by the Choiseul Institute as African Economic Leaders of Tomorrow. The Choiseul 100 is an annual report carried out by the Choiseul Institute with the intent of giving global recognition to young Africans whose leadership sets the foundations for Africa’s future growth. LEADERSHIP

The report recognized 100 business leaders from across the continent. Those chosen had to be African citizens below 40 years old and actively contributing to the African economy. The institute recognized

During Mr. Mworia’s tenure at Centum, the company has implemented various projects with the ability to change the face of business in the region. For instance, through Amu Power and Akiira power plants, Centum has a pipeline of approx. 1190 MW that, once complete, will provide up to 33% of the power generation capacity in Kenya. In real estate, Centum is developing Two Rivers Development, whose anchor project is a 65,500 SQM mall, one of the largest in Africa. Mr. Mworia has received other awards this year for business leadership including AABLA’s East Africa Business Person of the Year Award and Financial Monthly’s CEO award 2015. Choiseul Institute president, Dr. Pascal Lorot, noted that Africa’s economy is now a

major driver of global economic growth with the continent shifting away from primarily exporting raw materials to a more diverse economy driven by investment in high-end value addition. More international capital is flowing into Africa as a result, reaching $80 billion in 2014 and expected to hit $100 billion in 2015. Dr. Lorot attributed this to young leaders who are well trained, open-minded and in touch with developments in the global economy. The other eight Kenyans include KEPSA CEO, Carole Kariuki, Coca-Cola East Africa GM, Peter Njonjo, KCB CEO, Joshua Oigara, Cellulant CEO and founder, Ken Njoroge, Craft Silicon CEO, Kamal Budhabhatti. Michael Macharia CEO and founder, Seven Seas Technology and East Africa Trade Hub’s Alfred K’ombudo are also featured on the list.

Kwanji, the online forex portal, now available in Kenya Kwanji.com, the online foreign exchange and payments platform, that provides businesses with fast, easy and unrestricted access to the very best foreign exchange rates, has selected Kenya as the first African country to roll out its unique suite of services. FINANCE

8 News in Brief

Headquartered in the UK, the company’s goal is to level the playing field on international trade and payments by bridging the gap between emerging and traditional markets. Kwanji is working in partnership with leading UK foreign currency specialists including VFX and

local Kenyan banks including Equity Banking Group. The company is regulated by the Financial Services Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution and is licenced to operate across Europe and East Africa; under the regulation of CBK and CMA in Kenya for example.


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