Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called for a fundamental rethinking of Africa’s relationship with the world, advocating a move away from charity-driven approaches towards models focused on investment, entrepreneurship, and equal partnership.
Speaking on Monday at a high-level Africa-Europe summit dedicated to economic cooperation and sustainable development, Elumelu emphasised that “Africa needs partners, not charity. Our future will not be built by aid, but by investment, partnership, and entrepreneurship.”
His remarks come as Africa stands at a pivotal moment, brimming with opportunity yet still grappling with entrenched structural challenges.
For decades, much of the global engagement with Africa has been centred on aid and humanitarian support. However, Elumelu highlighted the continent’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and burgeoning innovation ecosystem as invaluable assets offering immense potential for investors seeking sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.
Elumelu also underscored the critical role of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and young innovators in unlocking Africa’s economic potential and realising inclusive development.
The summit convened policymakers, investors, and business leaders from across Africa and Europe to explore avenues for deepening trade relations, fostering sustainable growth, and attracting long-term investments.
As a consistent champion of entrepreneurship as the driving force behind Africa’s transformation, Elumelu reaffirmed that Africans must lead their continent’s development, with global partners playing supportive and collaborative roles.
“The time has come to redefine the relationship between Africa and the world — one based on dignity, respect, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
