NAIROBI, Kenya – Standard Chartered is turning its attention to the changing needs of Africa’s high-net-worth individuals, focusing on intergenerational wealth transfer and socially conscious investing.
Speaking at the 2025 Nairobi Private Wealth Conference, the bank’s Kenya CEO, Kariuki Ngari, noted a shift in how wealth is being viewed across the continent.
“Africa’s affluent clients are no longer simply chasing returns,” Ngari said.
“The focus is shifting from mere accumulation to creating lasting legacies, fostering purpose-driven investment, and ensuring intergenerational impact.”
Ngari linked the evolving approach to the bank’s broader global initiative, “Now’s Your Time for Wealth,” which encourages intentional financial planning and long-term investment strategies.
Recent data presented at the event indicated that Africa is now home to more than 135,000 millionaires, with total investable wealth estimated at USD 2.5 trillion (Sh325 trillion).
Kenya is considered a central hub in this broader continental trend.
Beyond creating wealth, the conversation increasingly includes how it is preserved and passed down.
Younger investors, in particular, are reportedly taking a more global and socially aware approach.
Issues such as sustainability, ethical supply chains, and inclusive infrastructure are becoming integral to their investment decisions.
The growing use of family offices and legacy planning tools was also highlighted, pointing to a wider interest in ensuring long-term financial security and impact.
The conference gathered private investors, business leaders, and financial experts to explore how Africa’s wealth landscape is changing and what tools are needed to navigate it.
