Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Calls for Inclusive Growth, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Investment Across Africa
Dubai, UAE – At the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, a landmark fireside chat between Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Lenah Hassaballah of CNN Business Arabic, captured the attention of a global audience with a bold and hopeful vision: Africa is not just emerging—it is ascending.
Elumelu, a renowned African business leader and philanthropist, discussed the continent’s economic potential, the importance of entrepreneurship, and the need for sustainable and inclusive investment to catalyze long-term growth.
Africa’s Moment: Unlocking Economic Potential
The conversation opened with a powerful assertion—Africa is poised to become a central force in the global economy. Elumelu emphasized the continent’s demographic advantage, rich natural resources, and expanding digital infrastructure as key factors that can drive unprecedented economic transformation.
“The future of global growth must include Africa,” Elumelu stated. “We are not asking for aid—we are asking for investments that empower and uplift.”
Entrepreneurship as the Engine of Change
A central theme of the discussion was entrepreneurship, which Elumelu described as Africa’s most powerful catalyst for economic independence and innovation.
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has funded over 15,000 young African entrepreneurs, offering capital, mentorship, and training. At DFS 2025, he reaffirmed that empowering small businesses and start-ups is critical to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“When we empower our young entrepreneurs, we’re not just creating jobs—we’re creating the future,” he said.
Investment, Infrastructure, and Inclusive Growth
Elumelu also addressed the need for strategic and long-term investments in Africa’s infrastructure, particularly in energy, education, and digital connectivity. He urged investors and policymakers to move beyond short-term gains and instead focus on inclusive growth that builds capacity and resilience across all sectors of African society.
“Africa’s success must be broad-based. We cannot replicate systems that exclude. We must be inclusive and deliberate in our development,” he remarked.
Collaboration Between Africa and the World
The conversation also explored how platforms like the Dubai FinTech Summit can foster stronger ties between African nations and global partners. Elumelu applauded Dubai’s role as a bridge between regions, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in finance, technology, and innovation.
“Africa has much to offer—and much to gain—from collaboration with regions like the Middle East,” he added.
Conclusion: The Time for Africa Is Now
Tony O. Elumelu’s message was clear and compelling: Africa is not waiting to be included—it is ready to lead. Through entrepreneurship, smart investment, and international collaboration, the continent is writing a new chapter—one defined by empowerment, innovation, and sustainable prosperity.
Key Takeaways from the Fireside Chat with Tony Elumelu
- 🌍 Africa Rising: The continent’s youth, resources, and digital growth position it as a future global powerhouse.
- 🚀 Entrepreneurial Power: Supporting start-ups is vital for economic transformation and inclusive development.
- 💡 Strategic Investment: Infrastructure and digital access are key to unlocking long-term value.
- 🤝 Global Collaboration: Cross-regional partnerships—especially with the Middle East—can accelerate Africa’s growth story.
- 📢 A Call to Action: The global community must shift from charity to opportunity—by investing in Africa’s future.
