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

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

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

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

Last week, I visited Senegal, at the invitation of the President, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Newly elected and one of the youngest leaders in Africa, our shared passion for youth empowerment and economic transformation was the foundation of great conversations. We swapped experiences, shared laughs – and I listened to

Today marks a significant milestone, as we celebrate 14 years of excellence at Heirs Holdings Group. I wanted to share some reflections, as we look back at our achievements, and look forward, as we double down on our ambition: When one door closes, many others open. Fourteen years ago, my

Last week, at our quarterly induction session for new hires of Heirs Holdings Group, a new staff member asked me a question: “What are your fears?” It made me look back, think how my instincts, my perceptions and indeed my fears had changed over my life.  Our fears evolve with

Insecurity and insurgency undermine Africa’s economic development.   When people fear for their lives, when they cannot plan for their futures, when they cannot move freely or safely, or protect their goods, they cannot be entrepreneurs. All the issues associated with insecurity, such as food security, migration, and inadequate infrastructure, stifle

“He has transcended the business world in a way that none of his Nigerian peers has.” – Financial Times. I was recently interviewed by the Financial Times, where I discussed my journey advocating for Africapitalism, the impact of imperialism on Africa, and why I decided to enter the oil industry.

In June this year, we brought together over 100 directors from Heirs Holdings Group companies, at our iconic Transcorp Hilton. 23 companies were present; 7 critical sectors; global companies and young startups; and our philanthropy, the Tony Elumelu Foundation. We discussed governance, institutionalisation, future strategy, but we also took time

This year marks a defining chapter for us at UBA – celebrating a landmark anniversary, superlative financial results, and remarkable impact across Africa and beyond. Earlier this week, we formally announced the kick-off of our 75th anniversary celebrations and recognition of the numerous innovations pioneered by UBA. Today, at the

Today marks a very proud moment in our journey of growth, value creation, and transformation.Celebrating UBA’s 75th anniversary and Transcorp Power’s Annual General Meeting, the first since listing on the Nigerian Exchange. These are two significant milestones in our journey of building lasting legacies and upholding exceptional corporate governance. Creating

The future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth.  I am constantly amazed by the young disruptors I meet.  Take Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, who leads Flutterwave, one of Africa’s fintech unicorns.  We met recently at a conference in India, where he invited me to speak with his employees. 

Last week, I led the induction with UBA’s newest cohort of graduate trainees – our GMAP Class of 24! I love these sessions, I meet new members of our UBA-Tribe, I hear their stories, answer their questions and welcome them to our Group. I vividly recall starting my career as

Today, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Academy graduates the 8th cohort of our “Graduate Management Accelerated Program (GMAP)” — a program focused on nurturing young African professionals and equipping them with the skillset to drive the deepening of the financial services sector in Africa.  Moments like this remind me