Africa’s Transformation to Take Center Stage at United Nations General Assembly
This September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will host a range of discussions focused on driving Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition. At the forefront of these conversations will be African philanthropist Tony Elumelu, who will share his insights on the continent’s development challenges and opportunities.
Elumelu, a renowned businessman and chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, will participate in a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former US President Bill Clinton, as well as an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. His experience in building industry-leading businesses across the continent, combined with the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s catalytic programs empowering young Africans, will bring a unique perspective to the discussions.
Africa faces significant challenges, including over 60% of its population lacking access to electricity, as well as a youth unemployment rate that exceeds 60%. However, Elumelu believes that these issues can be addressed through sustainable economic growth, youth entrepreneurship, and energy transition. "Addressing the fundamental challenges our continent faces is critical not only for meeting basic developmental needs but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and unlocking Africa’s immense economic potential," he said recently.
On the sidelines of UNGA, UBA will host a networking gala to highlight investment opportunities in Africa, bringing together prominent leaders from across four continents to commemorate the Group’s 75th anniversary and 40 years of operations in the United States. Elumelu’s thought leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in shaping Africa’s narrative on the global stage, and his commitment to collaboration and growth has inspired innovative strategies for addressing the continent’s development challenges.
The success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation in promoting youth entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty has been recognized through case studies at esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Chicago Business School, Stanford, and Cambridge. With Elumelu’s voice leading the charge, this year’s UNGA is poised to focus on the transformative potential of Africa, driving progress and promoting a brighter future for its people.
