Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has issued a strong call to global investors, urging them to reconsider their perception of Africa as a high-risk investment destination. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Elumelu emphasized that Africa presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and offers some of the highest returns on investment (ROI) globally.
“As an investor with a diversified portfolio spanning four continents—including power, oil & gas, financial services, and healthcare—I can confidently say that nowhere else offers the kind of ROI that Africa does,” Elumelu asserted. He stressed that outdated narratives about Africa’s business environment need to be discarded, allowing investors to recognize the continent’s vast potential.
Citing the remarkable contributions of Heirs Holdings Group, Elumelu highlighted the company’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy sector. “We have the capacity to generate 2,000MW of electricity daily, and currently, our available capacity stands at approximately 1,000MW. This is transformative for a continent where energy access remains one of the most pressing economic challenges,” he explained. Elumelu noted that bridging Africa’s power deficit is essential for driving industrialization and economic empowerment.
Beyond energy, Elumelu pointed to Africa’s youthful and rapidly growing population as its greatest asset. “With a median age of 19 and 65% of our 1.5 billion people under the age of 30, Africa boasts an unstoppable demographic advantage. This youthful energy is a goldmine for investment, innovation, and economic expansion,” he said. He encouraged global investors to harness Africa’s human capital by investing in education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Elumelu further underscored the immense opportunities within Africa’s infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors, arguing that what are often perceived as challenges—such as infrastructure deficits and inadequate transport systems—are, in fact, untapped investment frontiers. “The key is identifying these gaps and structuring approaches to mitigate the risks. That’s where the competitive edge lies,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, Elumelu delivered a powerful message: “Invest in Africa. The returns are undeniable, the opportunities are limitless, and the future is ours to shape. Let’s build a prosperous, self-sustaining Africa together.” His words resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the notion that Africa is not just a viable investment destination but a continent on the rise, ready to drive global economic transformation.
Elumelu’s advocacy at the World Governments Summit aligns with his broader mission of fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Africa. Through his leadership at Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he continues to champion initiatives aimed at empowering African entrepreneurs and creating an enabling environment for long-term prosperity.
“Invest in Africa. The returns are undeniable, the opportunities are limitless, and the future is ours to shape. Let’s build a prosperous, self-sustaining Africa together.” His words resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the notion that Africa is not just a viable investment destination but a continent on the rise, ready to drive global economic transformation.
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