How Tony Elumelu Launched New Appearance On Global Stage

Tony Elumelu, the fine and dandy advocate of Africapitalism – his economic philosophy that positions the private sector, and most importantly, entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for social and economic development of the African continent – recently debuted a new look.

The wondrous dresser, who is one of Africa’s leading philanthropists and investors, wore a fresh appearance at the 79th edition of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79).

The regular attendee at the UNGA took his unrelenting global campaign for shared prosperity in Africa – and a better continent – to this year’s edition of the gathering of global leaders, held from Tuesday, September 24, 2024, to Saturday, September 28, 2024, in New York, United States of America.

The founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), who hosted a reception with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), to highlight youth unemployment and hunger in Africa, traded his clean-shaven scalp and beards for sprouting greys.

The sprouting greys, fused with his athletic frame – he is a fitness enthusiast – and dapper attire, made him even more glamorous.

The 61-year-old advocated that entrepreneurship creates economic resilience and plays a critical role in preventing crises, as well as promoting an equitable approach to climate and sustainable energy across Africa at this year’s UNGA. 

TEF, the foundation he founded, is credited with disbursing over $100 million (USD) and providing funding, mentoring, and capacity-building support to more than 20,000 young entrepreneurs across the continent, creating over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs in the process.

The Chairman of UBA Group, the pan-African bank celebrating 75 years of operations – and 40 years of UBA America’s existence – hit the global stage with his new look on the first day of UNGA and wore it almost throughout. However, it remains unclear if this will be the role model’s signature appearance going forward.