The World Needs What Africa Has — Tony Elumelu Insists
Wealthy businessman and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has reiterated that the African continent possesses an abundance of what the world needs.
He made the remarks at the 25th WIMBIZ Annual Conference, held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The event—themed “Rooted, Rising, Ready: Born in Africa, Built for the World”—took place just six weeks after Mr. Elumelu discussed the same topic with the Council on Foreign Relations during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In his keynote address, titled “The Geography of Opportunity: Why The World Needs What Africa Has,” the prominent business leader emphasized that Africa is well-positioned to play a critical role in powering the global economy.
“By 2050, our working-age population will grow by hundreds of millions. We hold the minerals that will power the energy transition. We have the land, the sun, the rivers, and the youngest population on earth,” Mr. Elumelu pointed out. “Everyone else is ageing. We are not. That is not a problem to be managed,” he added.
The renowned philanthropist, who has invested significant resources into empowering young entrepreneurs across the continent, labeled this potential a monumental commercial opportunity.
“This is the single greatest commercial opportunity of this century, and it is ours,” said the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, before adding a vital caveat: “But potential is not guaranteed.”
“The possession of resources has never been a guarantee of prosperity,” Elumelu insisted, ” and the absence of resources has never been a permanent barrier to it.”
