Tony Elumelu: The Man Behind the African Entrepreneurship Revolution

Tony Elumelu: The Man Behind the African Entrepreneurship Revolution

Who is Tony Elumelu?

Tony Elumelu is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, one of Africa’s largest investment companies, with interests in hospitality, energy, financial services, and healthcare.

Elumelu is also the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports African entrepreneurs through its flagship program, the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP).

Statistics on Tony Elumelu

  • Net worth: $1 billion
  • Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA)
  • Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation
  • Recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the African Business Icon award
  • Member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Initiative

Elumelu’s impact on the African entrepreneurship landscape is undeniable. Here are a few reasons why:

  • He has invested heavily in the development of Africa’s infrastructure and economy, creating jobs and opportunities for millions of people on the continent.
  • Through TEEP, he has provided funding, training, and mentorship to thousands of African entrepreneurs, helping them to start and grow successful businesses that have the potential to transform their communities and contribute to the continent’s growth and development.
  • He is a strong proponent of Africapitalism, a school of thought that emphasizes the role of the private sector in driving Africa’s development through sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
  • He is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and gender equality, recognizing that these are key drivers of economic growth and development in Africa.

Elumelu’s impact has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by numerous organizations around the world for his contributions to African entrepreneurship and development. Here are a few examples:

Elumelu’s accomplishments are impressive, but perhaps his greatest legacy will be the impact he has had on the lives and communities of the people he has touched. As he said in a recent interview with Forbes, “I believe that entrepreneurship is the catalyst for unlocking Africa’s vast potential.”



  • Tony Elumelu Foundation
  • Tony Elumelu – Forbes
  • Tony Elumelu – Wikipedia
  • Tony Elumelu: The Nigerian helping entrepreneurs
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