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 also that Africans must be the catalyst for change, neither weighed down by history, nor beholden to others.
The current tragedies in Africa eclipse many elsewhere. That is why we amplified the messages and work of the WFP. But, Africa is also a place of great opportunity. A continent filled with potential, and yes, one facing significant challenges, especially among our youth, who remain largely economically disempowered.
There is such a strong link – unleash our young entrepreneurs and Africa can feed itself, create value in our continent, and see that robust, sustainable destiny, that is my vision.
The Energy Transition: A Call for Equity
Energy transition is a global agenda, and while we support it wholeheartedly, it must be equitable. Africa cannot thrive if millions remain in darkness. Electricity is fundamental to development, and yet remains scarce for many across the continent.
While Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources—gas, light, water, rainfall—we lack the capital needed to unlock these and improve access to electricity.
This is not just an African issue; it is a global one. Energy transition cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. Africa requires a different approach, one that considers our unique context and needs. The world must recognise that addressing Africa’s electricity challenge benefits all of us. Without it, lost opportunity, poverty and instability will continue to ripple across borders.
Africa’s Role in the Climate Change Conversation
A sobering theme throughout the UNGA discussions was Africa’s vulnerability to climate change.
Despite contributing less than 3% of global carbon emissions, we are among the hardest hit by environmental degradation and the effects of climate change.
As the newly appointed Chairman of the National Disaster Relief Fund for Nigeria, I am aware of how climate change is affecting lives and livelihoods. While we must provide immediate relief, our long-term focus must be on prevention. This is a critical call to action for both Africa and the world—our shared future depends on the decisions we make today.
Collaboration for a Better Africa
This year’s UNGA was not just about policy discussions; it was also about action and collaboration. I had the honor of joining forces with key global leaders on several platforms:
TEF-World Food Programme High-Level Session: In an exclusive event, co-hosted by The Tony Elumelu Foundation and the World Food Programme, I had the privilege of discussing sustainable solutions to food insecurity with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the WFP. I highlighted the role TEF is playing in funding and empowering agricultural and green entrepreneurs.
Clinton Global Initiative: I joined a roundtable with former U.S. President Bill Clinton and global leaders to discuss sustainable development and the role of entrepreneurship in driving growth. We must accelerate climate finance and action to meet targets and protect future generations. Last year, we launched BeGreen Africa, co-created by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNICEF, and IKEA Foundation, with USD 1.1 million seed capital, to fund over 220 young green entrepreneurs, creating revenue and 8,000 jobs. TEF is training and empowering 1,500 green entrepreneurs across Africa, with additional support from the Netherlands. Our youth are key to a sustainable future.
The UBA Africa Reception 2024: On the sidelines of UNGA, we hosted a reception to celebrate UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and 40 years of operation in the U.S.
It was a unique opportunity to highlight Africa’s vast investment opportunities and connect African leaders, businesses and youth with global partners eager to engage with the continent. UBA is positioned as the financial bridge between Africa and the world, and we continue to lead efforts that showcase Africa’s potential.
We celebrated African talent, in music, in food, in fashion and media and showed the world true African hospitality.
- Reconnected with Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, reaffirming our commitment to expand our TEF partnership, that has already created over 50,000 jobs across Africa.
- Discussed TEF’s success in Kenya with President William Ruto, where 782 Kenyan entrepreneurs have benefited from our grants, and expressed our desire to deepen this impact continent-wide.
- Talked with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission on expanding our joint Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) initiative, which has empowered 2,500+ women, with plans to support 1,800 more this year.
- Explored opportunities to strengthen the Africa-Caribbean entrepreneurship connection, with H.E. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
- With Jakob Granit, Director General of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), we focused on advocating for policies that support small-scale enterprises and create enabling environments for African entrepreneurs.
- Met with Bard Vegar Solhjell, Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development, to discuss the need for policies that continuously support African entrepreneurship.
- Discussed inclusive industrial development with Fatou Haidara, Deputy General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), focusing on sustainable growth in Africa.
- With Gabrielle Daines Gay, Director of Emerging Market Strategy at Kensington Capital, we discussed new strategies to further empower African entrepreneurs through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and learnt of her family’s commitment to education.
- Finally, met with H.E. Brice Oligui Nguema, President of Gabon, to discuss expanding UBA Group’s presence in Gabon and empowering young entrepreneurs.
The Way Forward
Our key messages throughout UNGA resonated deeply: entrepreneurship as a catalyst for African transformation, Africa’s equitable energy transition, and catalysing an African renaissance by bringing together people, passion, and potential.
As we return home, there is a sense of optimism, tempered by the understanding that our challenges are immense, but surmountable with the right partnerships. We will continue pushing forward, knowing that the future of Africa is not just Africa’s business—it is the world’s business.
Together, we can make progress. Together, we can lead our people out of poverty. Together, we can ensure a future where every African, and indeed every global citizen, can thrive.
