Collins Sefa Tony Elumelu Awarded Gabon’s National Honour for Empowering African Entrepreneurs
The President of the Republic of Gabon, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has awarded Tony Elumelu, Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, with the country’s prestigious title of Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit. This award recognises Elumelu’s far-reaching impact on African entrepreneurship, infrastructure investment, and inclusive economic development.
Speaking during the official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Libreville, President Nguema praised Elumelu as a visionary African entrepreneur and a trusted partner in Gabon’s development.
“Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon. Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business – it is the key to our shared future,” President Nguema stated.
Driving Entrepreneurship Across Africa
Elumelu, a champion of Africapitalism, is widely celebrated for empowering African youth through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Since its inception, TEF has trained, mentored, and funded over 18,000 entrepreneurs, including many from Gabon, with $5,000 non-refundable seed capital, business training, and mentorship.
“This honour is a reflection not just of my journey, but of a shared belief – that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent,” Elumelu said in his remarks.
The Foundation’s mission aligns with Gabon’s new leadership goals of inclusive growth, innovation, and economic self-reliance. By supporting youth-led businesses, Elumelu’s initiatives are helping build resilient local economies across Africa.
Two Pillars of Transformation
Beyond youth entrepreneurship, Elumelu’s influence in Africa extends to infrastructure financing and financial inclusion, key areas in Gabon’s national development strategy.
Through UBA’s growing footprint in Gabon and across Africa, the Group is facilitating access to banking services, credit, and investment opportunities, particularly for underserved communities. The bank plays a crucial role in digital financial services, public-private partnerships, and trade finance.
A Pan-African Vision Backed by Action
Elumelu is also the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment group that champions economic transformation in sectors such as financial services, energy, healthcare, and technology. His business philosophy—Africapitalism—advocates for the private sector as a key driver of Africa’s development.
“At UBA and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we remain committed to building bridges, not just between nations, but between ambition and opportunity,” he emphasized.
As Gabon works toward recovery and reinvention under its new government, Tony Elumelu’s recognition is more than symbolic—it signals a new era of entrepreneur-led transformation across Africa.
The award underscores the importance of African entrepreneurs in shaping policy, driving innovation, and building prosperity for future generations.
