Tony Elumelu Africa partnerships message urges world leaders to prioritise infrastructure, jobs and equal collaboration

Tony Elumelu, Founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has urged global leaders and investors to embrace equal partnerships with Africa, insisting that the continent seeks collaboration based on substance rather than patronage.

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Elumelu made the remarks at the 2026 Africa Forward Summit convened by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron.

Addressing heads of state, business leaders and international investors at the summit, the Nigerian entrepreneur stressed that Africa’s future depends heavily on investments in electricity and infrastructure.

“We welcome true partnership — partnerships of substance and based on equity — where Africans and African solutions catalyse Africa’s future,” Elumelu said.

The Tony Elumelu Africa partnerships message focused strongly on the role of the private sector in mobilising capital capable of transforming the continent’s economy.

“The private sector is what will help us mobilise capital to drive investment in infrastructure, investment in electricity. These are two critical requirements for the economic prosperity and development of Africa,” he stated.

According to Elumelu, creating the right business environment across African countries would unlock employment opportunities, reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth.

He also challenged longstanding narratives around foreign aid, arguing that Africa’s youthful population requires empowerment rather than dependency.

“In Africa, we have a young population. There is no room for victim mentality. Our youth do not need handouts; they need jobs, they need improved access to electricity, they need to join the internet,” he said.

Elumelu noted that Africa remains one of the world’s fastest-growing regions and called on governments and investors to embrace a new development mindset centred on prosperity, opportunity and inclusion.

“It is a good place to be at, as Africans, now. We should embrace those who want to help us catalyse growth in Africa,” he added.

The Tony Elumelu Africa partnerships campaign also highlighted the activities of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has provided entrepreneurial training to more than 2.5 million young Africans and funded over 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.

Observers at the summit described Elumelu’s remarks as a powerful intervention in ongoing global conversations about Africa’s economic future, investment climate and development strategy.

His participation aligns with the broader objectives of Heirs Holdings, which continues to invest across critical sectors including power, financial services, healthcare, hospitality and technology.

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The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between governments, development institutions and the private sector as leaders explored pathways to deepen inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s global economic position.