Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu told Presidents William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron that Africa’s future depends on equal partnerships, infrastructure investment, electricity access, and youth empowerment
Tony Elumelu to Ruto, Macron: Africa Needs Equal Partnerships, Power and Infrastructure
Founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, delivered a powerful message to global leaders at the 2026 Africa Forward Summit, declaring that Africa is no longer seeking charity or patronage but genuine partnerships built on equality, investment, and shared prosperity.
Speaking before an influential gathering that included William Ruto, Emmanuel Macron, investors, policymakers, and business executives, Elumelu insisted that Africa’s future would be shaped by strategic collaboration driven by infrastructure, electricity, and private sector investment.
The summit, jointly convened by Presidents Ruto and Macron, became a platform for Elumelu to champion a bold economic vision for the continent, one centred on opportunity rather than dependency.
“We welcome true partnership — partnerships of substance and based on equity — where Africans and African solutions catalyse Africa’s future,” Elumelu declared, drawing attention to the growing confidence and economic potential across the continent.
The billionaire entrepreneur stressed that electricity and infrastructure remain the two most critical pillars required to unlock Africa’s economic transformation, arguing that governments alone cannot shoulder the responsibility without strong private sector participation.
“The private sector is what will help us mobilise capital to drive investment in infrastructure, investment in electricity. These are two critical requirements for the economic prosperity and development of Africa,” he said.
“If we create the right operating environment, we will create jobs for our people. We will alleviate poverty and deliver growth and prosperity.”
Elumelu also delivered a passionate defence of Africa’s youthful population, rejecting long-standing narratives that portray the continent as dependent on foreign aid. According to him, Africa’s young people do not need pity or handouts but opportunities, connectivity, and economic empowerment.
“In Africa, we have a young population. There is no room for victim mentality. Our youth do not need handouts; they need jobs, they need improved access to electricity, they need to join the internet,” he said.
“What is important is providing this enablement, this infrastructure requirement, so that our young ones can realise their potential.”
The remarks resonated strongly at the summit, especially as discussions focused on accelerating inclusive growth and repositioning Africa within the global economic system.
Elumelu highlighted the impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which he said has now provided entrepreneurial training access to 2.5 million young Africans while funding more than 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, making it the continent’s largest entrepreneurship platform.
Beyond aid and development financing, Elumelu urged African nations to confidently embrace partnerships with any credible global players genuinely interested in supporting the continent’s economic rise.
“It is a good place to be at, as Africans, now. We should embrace those who want to help us catalyse growth in Africa. And let us not forget Africa is the fastest growing region globally – and it is not just demographics,” he stated.
The Heirs Holdings founder further argued that Africa must adopt a new economic mindset focused on prosperity, productivity, and large-scale job creation.
“In the 21st century, the mindset must change. It should be a mindset that embraces economic prosperity and development, a mindset that creates the environment that will help us alleviate poverty in Africa, create jobs for our young people,” he added.
Elumelu’s participation at the summit reflects the broader vision of Heirs Holdings, which continues to drive investments across strategic sectors including power, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, and technology as part of efforts to accelerate Africa’s long-term economic transformation.
The 2026 Africa Forward Summit ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among governments, development institutions, and private investors, as global and African leaders explored pathways for sustainable growth, industrialisation, and economic inclusion across the continent.
