As 2026 begins, Tony Elumelu reminds leaders that enthusiasm fades fast—like January gym crowds—but disciplined execution builds lasting value. Fresh off a $750M Afreximbank deal for Heirs Energies, he stresses focus, prioritisation, and steady progress
Tony Elumelu Urges Discipline & Consistency in 2026: Markets Reward Performance, Not Intentions
As the new year gains speed in 2026, African business titan Tony Elumelu is delivering a sharp reality check to executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals: good intentions and early excitement are plentiful, but true discipline and unwavering consistency are what separate the winners from the crowd.
Drawing a vivid analogy to the familiar scene of jam-packed gyms in early January that thin out by month’s end, Elumelu warns that markets—and life—show no mercy to fleeting motivation.
“Markets do not reward intention — they reward performance,” Elumelu notes, urging leaders to embrace realism amid the wave of ambitious 2026 plans rolling out across organisations.
For Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, execution hinges on clarity, ruthless prioritisation, and measured pacing—especially in Africa’s often volatile economic landscape.
“Execution starts with clear goals and strong prioritisation. Don’t try to do everything at once. Pace matters,” he emphasises.
This mindset defines the culture at Heirs Holdings, where teams are guided to prioritise steady, measurable wins over flashy announcements.
“At Heirs Holdings, my message to our team is simple: execute our plans consistently and with discipline, one step at a time,” Elumelu says.
The philosophy aligns with his decades-long push for sustainable African enterprise, most visibly through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which continues to empower thousands of entrepreneurs continent-wide with seed funding, mentorship, and training—its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme applications now open.
It also echoes in his stewardship of major institutions like United Bank for Africa (UBA), a pan-African banking powerhouse, and Transcorp Group, one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates.
Elumelu’s call to disciplined action gained fresh credibility with a landmark corporate achievement in late 2025: Heirs Energies secured a $750 million financing facility from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Signed on December 20, 2025, in Abuja by Elumelu and Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi, the deal—one of the largest ever for an indigenous African energy firm—will fuel field development, boost production, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security.
Describing the transaction as a “strong vote of confidence,” Elumelu highlighted how it reflects trust in strong governance, performance, and long-term vision.
“This transaction is a powerful affirmation of what African enterprise can achieve when backed by disciplined execution and long-term African capital,” he said.
The financing underscores a core lesson: capital flows to those who demonstrate sustained competence and focus, not just bold promises.
“Those who remain focused long after the early excitement fades are the ones who create lasting value,” Elumelu declares.
As 2026’s initial optimism meets real-world challenges, Elumelu’s message rings clear: in business, leadership, and life, it’s disciplined, consistent execution—not January-style enthusiasm—that builds enduring success. Read More
