Mitchell Elegbe, the Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of Interswitch Group, has been reappointed as the only entrepreneur from Africa on the global jury for the 2026 Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur of The Year Awards. The prestigious event takes place annually in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Elegbe will serve for the third consecutive year.
EY Hall of Fame Recognition
According to EY, the World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame is an elite group of individuals recognized for exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. Elegbe has made history by becoming the first and only entrepreneur globally to win in both the emerging and master categories in any region over the past 40 years. His repeated invitation to the global jury underscores his outstanding contributions.
“The program has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage, and leadership in building and growing successful businesses—businesses that influence the way people live, the products and services we depend on, and the economic vibrancy of our local communities and global markets,” the company stated.
2026 Jury Composition
For the 2026 edition, Elegbe has been reinvited by EY’s global leadership to join the jury as one of nine former finalists. The judging committee comprises accomplished entrepreneurs, all former regional winners from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong & China, Nigeria (Elegbe), Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Elegbe is widely regarded as a pivotal architect of Nigeria’s payment innovation revolution and has gained global acclaim for his contributions as an exceptional African entrepreneur. He has significantly contributed to the economic development of Nigeria and Africa, distinguishing himself in business leadership and technology development.
