# Tony Elumelu advocacy for African development

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tony-elumelu-advocacy-for-african-development
> Updated: 2026-11-10T06:16:32.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Group, has advocated for a strategic shift in Africa’s economic development. During the 25th annual WIMBIZ conference in Lagos, Elumelu argued that the continent should prioritize human capital, particularly women and youth, over natural resources. He called for increased indigenous investment, reliable electricity, and a transition from exporting raw materials to local manufacturing and technology to ensure value addition.

Elumelu further emphasized the necessity of gender inclusion in corporate leadership to ensure economic competitiveness. He urged businesses to provide women with greater access to capital and management opportunities, citing the Heirs Holdings Group as a model where women hold various chairperson and chief executive positions across multiple sectors.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-10: Tony Elumelu calls for increased female leadership in African firms

Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu urged African business leaders to appoint more women to top corporate roles to drive economic competitiveness and sustainable growth.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tony-elumelu-calls-for-increased-female-leadership-in-african-firms

### 2026-11-06: Tony Elumelu advocates for African industrialization and human capital

Tony Elumelu urges African leaders to prioritize human capital and industrialization over raw material exports to drive sustainable economic growth and sovereignty.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tony-elumelu-advocates-for-african-industrialization-and-human-capital

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Cite as: Tony Elumelu advocacy for African development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tony-elumelu-advocacy-for-african-development