Africa’s Youths Need Systems That Work, Not Sympathy – Tony Elumelu Declares
African business leader and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has once again pointed out the most important things the Africa’s young population truly needs.
“Africa’s youth do not want sympathy. They want systems that work, skills that matter, and partners who believe” Mr Elumelu maintained.
The chairman of Heirs Holdings Group and Africa’ Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA Group) made the remarks while responding to questions at the International Monetary Fund Annual in Washington DC, United State of America where he joined Kristalina Georgieva, Ruth Porat, Simon Johnson, and Mohammed Al-Jadaan to discuss enhancing productivity in the digital age — and ensure that technology drives inclusive, not exclusive, growth.
Mr Elumelu highlighted his position on engendering a prosperous Africa at the high level conversation in a social media handle post that read…
At the International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, I joined Kristalina Georgieva, Ruth Porat, Simon Johnson, and Mohammed Al-Jadaan to discuss how we can boost productivity in the digital age — and ensure that technology drives inclusive, not exclusive, growth.
Productivity is not just about output per worker — it is about opportunity per person.
Africa’s story shows both the challenge and the promise of the digital era.
Yes, our infrastructure and skill gaps are real — but so too is our unmatched youth, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
We have already leapfrogged before — through mobile money and fintech innovation.
With the right partnerships, AI and digital transformation can be our next great leap — in health, education, and agriculture.
But this will require intentional inclusion.
Too many of our entrepreneurs lack affordable capital. Too many of our citizens lack digital skills.
We must close these gaps — through smart public-private partnerships that mobilise investment, build digital infrastructure, and empower our young people.
At @Heirs Holdings, we see firsthand that when government, business, and citizens align incentives, we unlock prosperity that is sustainable and shared.
Digital transformation must not just increase productivity — it must democratise prosperity.
Africa’s youth do not want sympathy. They want systems that work, skills that matter, and partners who believe.
If we invest in that — in them — the next digital wave can lift all boats, not just a few.
