By Mohamed Jonny
Nigerian businessman Tony O. Elumelu said on Wednesday that Africa’s young population does not need handouts but jobs and infrastructure, urging global partners to engage the continent on equal terms.
Speaking at the 2026 Africa Forward Summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, Elumelu told heads of state, investors and business leaders that Africa seeks “partnership, not patronage.”
“We welcome true partnership — partnerships of substance and based on equity — where Africans and African solutions catalyse Africa’s future,” said Elumelu, founder of Heirs Holdings.
He said Africa’s economic transformation depends on investment in electricity and infrastructure, with the private sector playing a central role in mobilising capital.
“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.
With more than 65% of Africans under the age of 35, Elumelu rejected what he described as a “victim mentality,” arguing that job creation and access to power and the internet are key to unlocking the continent’s potential.
“Our youth do not need handouts; they need jobs, they need improved access to electricity, they need to join the internet,” he said.
Elumelu also highlighted the work of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which he said has provided training to 2.5 million young Africans and funded over 27,000 entrepreneurs across the continent.
He added that Africa remains open to credible partners globally, noting the continent’s growth potential beyond its demographics.
“It is a good place to be at, as Africans, now. We should embrace those who want to help us catalyse growth in Africa,” he said.
The summit concluded with calls for deeper collaboration between governments, development institutions and private investors to accelerate growth and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.
