Dr Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Avon Healthcare Limited, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, has called on young African entrepreneurs to believe in their potential, emphasizing that the continent is home to world-class talent capable of competing globally when provided with the right support, training, and access to capital.
Global Recognition of African Talent
Speaking at an event for young entrepreneurs, Dr Elumelu highlighted the growing global recognition of African creatives as evidence of the continent's ability to excel on the world stage. She cited the example of a Beyoncé album featuring African artists such as Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, and Shatta Wale, describing the collaboration as a powerful demonstration of Africa's immense potential.
“Our own homegrown African talent, sharing the stage with the biggest pop star in the world, is an amazing testament to the immense potential of African entrepreneurs individually and as a collective,” she said.
Excellence Across All Sectors
Dr Elumelu noted that the success of African musicians on global platforms reflects what is possible across other sectors of the economy. “With the right push, the right resources, and the right environment, young entrepreneurs can compete on the world stage,” she added, emphasizing that the same level of excellence exists in agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), fashion, healthcare, and other industries.
She stressed that these achievements reinforce the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s long-held belief that Africa is filled with untapped talent waiting to flourish. “This reinforces our belief at the Tony Elumelu Foundation that there are hidden gems in Africa who, with the right amount of support, training, and seed capital, can become global trailblazers in their chosen fields,” she said.
Discipline and Resilience Key to Success
Encouraging young Africans to remain focused despite challenges, Dr Elumelu said success requires discipline, resilience, and consistency. “Young Africans, there is excellence in you. You owe it to yourselves, your families, your communities, and Africa to put in the hard work, build resilience, and keep at it until you succeed. The world awaits you.”
Her remarks align with the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s mission of empowering African entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, seed funding, and business support to drive economic transformation across the continent.
