Tony Elumelu Calls for Global Support to Empower Young African Entrepreneurs
Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has urged global stakeholders to support young African entrepreneurs in driving meaningful and sustainable transformation across the continent.
Speaking at the Legacy Builders Palm Beach Conference in Florida, USA, Elumelu, who also serves as Chairman of UBA Group Plc and Heirs Holdings, emphasized that Africa’s youth hold the key to the region’s progress. This vision, he noted, inspired the establishment of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs.
"Today, we have granted 2.5 million Africans access to training through TEFConnect, our online portal, and lifted over 2 million individuals out of poverty," Elumelu stated. "We have also disbursed over $100 million in direct funding to more than 21,000 beneficiaries, who have collectively created 1.5 million jobs and generated $4.2 billion in revenue across the continent."
Recognizing the growing demand for support, Elumelu highlighted the foundation’s partnerships with international organizations such as the European Union, United Nations, Red Cross, and the Ikea Foundation. "We receive over 300,000 applications annually, so collaboration is key. These partners leverage our execution capacity, and together, we amplify impact," he added.
Elumelu stressed that African entrepreneurs are already creating jobs, reducing poverty, and implementing transformative solutions in their communities. However, he maintained that every young African with a dream deserves a fair opportunity to succeed.
"This is about knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and building networks that uplift and support," he said. "We must break systemic barriers and create an environment where young entrepreneurs are propelled by opportunity, not hindered by challenges. We will restore hope."
Concluding his address, Elumelu declared, "Africa will not rise by chance—it will rise through deliberate action, driven by individuals who reject the status quo and choose to build the future we deserve."
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