Tony Elumelu urges jobs, power and infrastructure to unlock Africa's youth potential

Tony Elumelu, founder and group chairman of Heirs Holdings, addressed global leaders at the 2026 Africa Forward Summit, calling for partnerships that focus on jobs, reliable electricity and infrastructure rather than handouts. He stressed that Africa’s young population, with more than 65% under 35, needs substantive private‑sector investment to drive industrialisation, poverty reduction and sustainable growth.

Awele Elumelu, chairperson of Transcorp Hotels, Avon Healthcare and Heirs Insurance Brokers, echoed the message at a separate entrepreneurship forum, highlighting the continent’s untapped talent across music, ICT, fashion, agriculture and health. She cited the success of African artists on global stages and the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s support of 2.5 million young entrepreneurs and over 27 000 funded ventures as evidence that, with the right training, capital and environment, African businesses can compete worldwide.