The UBA boss will focus on economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition at the UN General Assembly, urging urgent action for Africa.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]frican philanthropist and business leader Tony Elumelu will highlight Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, scheduled for late September.
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Elumelu will advocate for urgent action through several engagements, including a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
He will also participate in an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, led by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
Drawing from his extensive experience in building industry-leading businesses across Africa, Elumelu will share insights from the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s successful programmes that empower young Africans.
A realist, he challenges both Africa and its people to find homegrown solutions while acknowledging the continent’s global responsibilities.
As Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and pan-African investment company Heirs Holdings, Elumelu plays a pivotal role in Africa’s transformation agenda.
His thought leadership promotes innovative strategies for collaboration and growth, with his Foundation’s success in youth entrepreneurship featured in case studies from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Cambridge.
Africa currently faces significant challenges, including over 60% of its population lacking access to electricity and youth comprising more than 60% of its 1.3 billion residents.
Recent climate-driven crises, such as the tragic floods in West Africa, underscore the urgent need for development, hindered by substantial infrastructure deficits.
In a recent statement, Elumelu remarked, “I have often said that there is nowhere else in the world you can reap the kind of investments as in Africa. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental challenges our continent faces. Addressing sustainable economic growth, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and Africa’s energy transition is critical for meeting basic developmental needs and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
As an economist and visionary entrepreneur, Elumelu’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism serves as a blueprint for accelerating Africa’s transformation.
In conjunction with Elumelu’s advocacy, the United Bank for Africa will host a networking gala on the sidelines of UNGA.
This event will spotlight investment opportunities across the continent and gather prominent leaders from four continents, celebrating UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and its 40 years of operations in the United States.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.