Gabon’s President, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has honoured Nigerian business leader and philanthropist Tony Elumelu with the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit.
The award was presented at the presidential palace in Libreville in recognition of Elumelu’s role in driving economic growth across Africa, with a particular focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship.
President Nguema described Elumelu as a “visionary entrepreneur” whose work through the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation has consistently advanced development on the continent.
“Tony Elumelu is not only a business leader, but also a true friend of Gabon,” Nguema said. “His investments and philanthropic efforts continue to empower our youth and contribute meaningfully to our national goals.”
Elumelu, in response, said he was humbled by the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusive growth in Africa.
“This honour represents the power of African-led development. At UBA and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are focused on building capacity, creating opportunities, and transforming lives.”
Elumelu’s initiatives in Gabon align with two pillars: infrastructure financing and youth entrepreneurship. His foundation provides mentorship, training, and non-refundable seed capital to thousands of African entrepreneurs annually.
UBA, under Elumelu’s leadership, continues to expand its reach across Africa and internationally, promoting financial inclusion and economic integration.
In addition to UBA, Elumelu chairs Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, with interests in power, hospitality, energy, and healthcare. Through his philosophy of “Africapitalism,” he champions the private sector’s role in Africa’s development.
Elumelu’s impact has earned him global recognition, including a spot on the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people in 2020 and Belgium’s oldest royal honour.
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