
The Transformational Impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation
In 2010, Dr. Elumelu and I shared a vision of a self-sustaining African continent, powered by the ideas, resilience, and creativity of young African men and women. As an entrepreneur, I knew the opportunities that Africa offers and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. As an African, I was keenly aware

Looking towards an African Century
Global economies are undergoing a massive transformation, shaped by shifts in geopolitics, culture, demographics, technology, and volatile trade dynamics. Old certainties are gone; new certainties yet to emerge. Where is Africa in this new world order? Africa, a continent rich in potential, with its youthful population, natural resources, and dynamic

The Ninth Graduating Class of UBA GMAP
The ninth cohort of the UBA Group Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) graduated, marking another milestone in our commitment to developing Africa’s next generation of leaders. The numbers tell a compelling story. This year’s graduating cohort of 1,138 young graduants spans across countries with UBA Group presence. UBA Group, Africa’s

Heirs Energies Leadership Forum 2025: Public and Private Sector Leaders Unite to Drive Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth
Heirs Energies, Africa’s fastest growing indigenous integrated energy company, hosted its inaugural Petroleum Industry Leadership Dialogue at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, bringing together public and private sector leaders to accelerate Nigeria’s production growth. Heirs Holdings’ subsidiary, Heirs Energies, convened the forum, moderated by CEO of Heirs Energies, Osayande Igiehon, and

From Dubai to Ethiopia: Forging Partnership, Promoting Peace
I spent 24 hours in Ethiopia this weekend. Peace and security are the bedrock of Africa’s economic transformation. Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa Group is proud to support the African Union Peace Fund with USD$0.5 million—because without peace, there can be no progress. The AU Peace Fund plays a crucial

Tony Elumelu Foundation Partners with UAE Office of Development Affairs, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to Empower Additional 1000 Young African Entrepreneurs
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs, from all 54 African countries , today, signed a USD$6million strategic partnership agreement with the UAE Office of Development Affairs and Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation (an affiliate of Erth Zayed) to provide business training, mentorship, access

Celebrating Success: Mapping the Future for Heirs Holdings Group
A new year: new challenges and new opportunities; but also recognition of existing successes and missions accomplished. HH celebrates 15 years in 2025. So much achieved, and to give thanks for. In January, I hosted Executive Management teams from across the Heirs Holdings’ Group and our investee portfolio companies, at

Heirs Holdings Leadership Appointment
As Heirs Holdings Group continues to invest in human capital, as a strategic driver of the Group’s broader ambitions, I am pleased to welcome two exceptional leaders into our Group: Azubike Emodi has been appointed MD/CEO, Afriland Properties Plc. He succeeds Uzo Oshogwe who has led the company as its

Welcome to Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzo Oshogwe
Delighted to welcome Uzo Oshogwe, the new Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. Uzo succeeds Dupe Olusola. Uzo Oshogwe brings over 30 years of outstanding leadership experience, with significant roles at United Bank for Africa, Accenture UK, and most recently, Afriland Properties Plc. Her proven expertise in driving strategic growth

UBA Group to Commence Full Banking Operations in France
As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support

Empowering Women Leaders: My Mentorship Session with the Association of Professional Women Bankers
I had the honour of spending some time mentoring the remarkable women of the Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) at the request of their Chairperson, Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, FCA. Their leadership and determination inspired me deeply. We focused on a challenge that many successful female professionals face – imposter

My Address at the UBA Regional Managers’ 2024 Immersion Programme
Yesterday, I addressed all UBA Regional Managers from across Nigeria, at the Closing Session of their 2024 Immersion Programme. 54 energised, dynamic, exciting and excited young women and men – who have already proved their UBA DNA, and are now stepping up as future leaders of our Group. I shared

African Messages at the heat of the GCC – Empowering Young Entrepreneurs, Embracing Africa’s Potential
Today, I was honoured to co-chair the New Africa Summit at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For the first time, FII featured a pre-Summit event dedicated to Africa, bringing together influential global investors and business leaders. The New Africa Summit focused on building bridges across

UNGA 79 Wrap Up: Africa’s Call for Partnership and Progress
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York brings the world together. At a time of global crisis, it is easy for Africa’s voice to be lost or ignored. We came with strong messages. Messages that balance Africa’s need for global attention and partnership, but

From New York to Nigeria: Strengthening Partnerships to Tackle Hunger and Support Youth Entrepreneurship
Cindy McCain’s commitment to humanitarian work is truly inspiring. An immense pleasure to host her and the World Food Programme delegation again – this time in Nigeria, convening public and private sector leaders. Two weeks ago in New York, on the sidelines of #UNGA79, we united key stakeholders to address

Uniting to End Global Hunger: Our Joint Commitment with the World Food Programme at UNGA79
The United Nations General Assembly is a significant platform for world leaders to address critical challenges. Despite the cynicism, the politics, the posturing, things get done. It is important for Africa – a contemporary, self-confident, self-aware Africa – is seen and heard. I was glad to be there. Food Security

Africa at the UN General Assembly: Setting the Agenda
There is nowhere else in the world where you can reap from the kind of investments that Africa offers, where ambition can be realised and lives can be changed. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental issues our continent faces. With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity, gender inequality persisting, and our youth – largely unemployed or underemployed and talent

Diary of TEF Impact – Benin Republic 2024
I traveled to Benin Republic this week, with a packed itinerary focused on strengthening partnerships, that drive economic growth across West Africa. During my visit, I had the opportunity to see three powerful ways we drive impact in Benin, in the programmes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Africapitalism impact

A Day In Benin Republic | Une journée au Bénin
My trip to Benin Republic affirmed once again my belief in Africa’s potential. First stop, Sèmè City. I addressed 100+ innovative, young African entrepreneurs, building the future of Africa, led by the CEO, Claude Borna. Sèmè City has been a longstanding partner of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, sharing our commitment

Diary of TEF Impact – Kigali 2024
In between my meetings in Rwanda, I took time to visit a 2016 Tony Elumelu Foundation beneficiary, Yvette Ishimwe, Founder of Iriba Water Group. Proud of Yvette’s innovative Water ATM in Kigali. The water ATM provides access to clean water for rural communities. With USD5,000 seed capital in 2016, Yvette