Segun Atanda, Libreville, Gabon/
In a testament to his transformative role in Africa’s economic renaissance, Tony Elumelu, the Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has been awarded one of Gabon’s highest national honours — Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit.
President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, presented the prestigious award at the presidential palace in Libreville on Monday, praising Elumelu’s exceptional contributions to youth entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and pan-African financial inclusion.
“Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation,” President Nguema declared. “Through his Foundation and UBA Group, he has demonstrated that investing in Africa is not just smart business—it’s the pathway to a shared, prosperous future.”
Elumelu, visibly moved by the honour, said the award symbolises more than personal recognition—it is a collective affirmation of Africa’s potential. “This is more than a medal; it is a reminder of what we can achieve together as Africans,” he said. “We remain committed to building bridges between nations, and between ambition and opportunity.”
The honour comes at a pivotal time for Gabon, as the country charts a course for economic recovery and inclusive growth under new leadership. Elumelu has made several strategic visits to Gabon in recent months, reinforcing partnerships and supporting local entrepreneurship through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which offers training, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed capital to young entrepreneurs across the continent.
The recognition also reflects the deepening financial partnership between Gabon and UBA, a pan-African banking leader operating in 20 African countries and globally in the UK, France, UAE, and the U.S., serving over 35 million customers.
Beyond banking, Elumelu chairs Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment company, and Transcorp, Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerate with investments in power and hospitality. Through his philosophy of Africapitalism, Elumelu champions the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship as the engine of Africa’s development.
With over 18,500 entrepreneurs empowered and a digital ecosystem of over one million Africans, the Tony Elumelu Foundation continues to shape the continent’s future — one young visionary at a time.
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