Awele Elumelu: Africa’s Untapped Talent Holds The Key To Global Success

Chairperson of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Avon Healthcare Limited and Heirs Insurance Brokers, Awele Elumelu, has said Africa’s greatest competitive advantage lies in its vast pool of untapped entrepreneurial talent, urging greater investment in training, mentorship and seed capital to unlock the continent’s economic potential.

Speaking at an entrepreneurship event, Elumelu said young Africans possess the capacity to build globally competitive businesses if provided with the right support and enabling environment.

“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,” the doctor said.

According to the role model, the growing global recognition of African talent demonstrates what is possible across sectors beyond the creative industry.

“With the right push, the right resources and the right environment, young entrepreneurs can compete on the world stage,” she said, adding that the same level of excellence exists in agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), fashion, healthcare and other industries.

Elumelu said the success stories reinforce the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s long-held belief that Africa is home to exceptional but underutilised talent.

“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 stressed.

And, urged young Africans to remain resilient despite challenges, stressing that lasting success requires discipline, consistency and hard work.

“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,” Elumelu said.

Her remarks reflect the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, seed funding and business support as part of efforts to drive inclusive economic growth across the continent.