James Irungu Mwangi

The Kenyan climate activist motivated by an optimistic willpower.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This resolutely positive campaigner has expressed his “weariness at seeing Africa presented solely as a victim” of climate change. “When I look at the continent, I see it as a source of climate action”, he explains, pointing to the continent's young population, its formidable solar energy potential, and its capacity to absorb and capture carbon emissions. Named one of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders in 2013, James Irungu Mwangi, a Harvard graduate and former McKinsey employee, co-founded and, for twenty years, managed the Dalberg Group, which advises companies wishing to invest in ‘socially impactful’ projects in Africa. In 2021, he launched the Climate Action Platform Africa (CAP-A) organisation, as well as Africa Climate Ventures, to identify climate-friendly opportunities on the continent. “Positive climate growth is a real opportunity for Africa. With the right investments and policies, the continent can leapfrog towards low-carbon prosperity, becoming a hub for clean energy and carbon capture.” A leap that could “significantly alter the climate trajectory, while providing dynamic young Africans with a dignified way of life and the inspiring mission they so desperately need”. James Irungu Mwangi's tireless efforts to put African climate growth at the top of the agenda earned him the 2022 Climate Breakthrough Awards. “Climate action will redefine the global economy”, he predicts.​​​​​​​