By Funsho Arogundade
From a boardroom strategist to continental visionary, Tony O. Elumelu isn’t just a regular entrepreneur. The business leader is fast becoming a force of economic nature whose every move sends ripples across global finance.
For the African philanthropist, while other entrepreneurs hid behind their massive office doors, he strode global stages advocating Africapitalism and evangelising the gospel of homegrown prosperity. As Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and pan-African investment company, Heirs Holdings, Elumelu —fondly called TOE by friends and colleagues— is a leading driver of Africa’s transformation agenda, helping shape the continent’s narrative on the global stage.
As founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF, the billionaire magnate has had over $100 million disbursed to over 20,000 entrepreneurs across Africa while over a million connected digitally for the development of an impact assessment capacity.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima said recently: “Elumelu is not a dreamer because dreamers are those who are stuck in the bubble. He is a dream-maker. He has made true the imagination of those who wish for an empire from the comfort of their homes. He has taught us that it is possible to build without breaking, to lead without losing touch, and to dream without borders.” Indeed, Elumelu is one visionary who believes capitalism is not just about amassing wealth but building legacies and empowering communities. His ideas have birthed thousands of businesses, created employment opportunities, and redefined the parameters of African economic self-determination. For all of these, Elumelu had earned the accolades: Forbes lists, TIME Honour, national and global awards, honorary doctorates. And they are still pouring in.
Early this week, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon joined the growing list of global leaders recognizing the enduring contribution of Elumelu to Africa’s economic development, particularly his impact on youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure growth across the continent including Gabon. The President conferred on Elumelu the country’s national honour of the Commandeur dans l’ordre national du mérite gabonais (Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit) on Monday May 5 at a stately ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Libreville. While presenting the award, the President described Elumelu not only as “a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon”.