In a bold move to unlock Africa’s economic potential, Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu  has issued a rallying cry to support the continent’s young entrepreneurs. As the driving force behind innovation and job creation, these visionary leaders hold the key to shaping Africa’s future. By empowering them with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive, we can unlock a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has called for global support for young African entrepreneurs to drive meaningful and sustainable transformation across the continent.

Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of UBA Group Plc and Heirs Holdings, made this call during his speech at the Legacy Builders Palm Beach Conference in Florida, USA.

He believes that African youth are crucial for the continent’s transformation. This belief motivated the establishment of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which focuses on empowering African entrepreneurs.

“Today, we have granted 2.5 million Africans access to training on TEFConnect, our online portal, and lifted over 2 million individuals out of poverty. 

“We have also disbursed more than $100 million in direct funding to over 21,000 beneficiaries, who have created 1.5 million jobs and generated $4.2 billion in revenue across the continent.

“We also learnt; we can’t do it just by ourselves – our programme receives over 300,000+ applications a year. So, we now work with the EU, the UN, the Red Cross – and with family foundations, we launched a programme with the Ikea Foundation – they use our execution ability – we amplify the good.”

Many African youths are creating jobs and alleviating poverty, making a significant impact in their communities and across the continent by developing transformative solutions for Africa. Elumelu emphasized that every young African with a dream should have an equal opportunity to achieve it.

He stated that achieving this goal requires knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and the establishment of networks that support and uplift individuals. There is a pressing need to create an environment where young entrepreneurs are not hindered by systemic barriers but are instead propelled forward by opportunities. Together, we will restore hope.

“Africa will rise not by chance, but through deliberate action. It will be driven by people who refuse to accept the status quo and choose to create the future we deserve,” he said.

He urged the participants at the prestigious gathering, “I encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute to our mission of creating meaningful and sustainable impact. Together, we can transform the African continent, one entrepreneur at a time.”