UNGA 79 Wrap Up: Africa’s Call for Partnership and Progress

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York brings the world together. At a time of global crisis, it is easy for Africa’s voice to be lost or ignored. We came with strong messages. Messages that balance Africa’s need for global attention and partnership, but also that Africans must be […]

Uniting to End Global Hunger: Our Joint Commitment with the World Food Programme at UNGA79

The United Nations General Assembly is a significant platform for world leaders to address critical challenges. Despite the cynicism, the politics, the posturing, things get done. It is important for Africa – a contemporary, self-confident, self-aware Africa – is seen and heard. I was glad to be there. Food Security Through Youth Empowerment At this […]

Africa at the UN General Assembly: Setting the Agenda

There is nowhere else in the world where you can reap from the kind of investments that Africa offers, where ambition can be realised and lives can be changed. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental issues our continent faces. With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity, gender inequality persisting, and our youth – largely unemployed or underemployed and talent wasted – making up more […]

Diary of TEF Impact – Benin Republic 2024

Benin Republic 2024

I traveled to Benin Republic this week, with a packed itinerary focused on strengthening partnerships, that drive economic growth across West Africa. During my visit, I had the opportunity to see three powerful ways we drive impact in Benin, in the programmes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Africapitalism impact of Heirs Holdings’ integrated power […]

A Day In Benin Republic | Une journée au Bénin

A Day In Benin Republic

My trip to Benin Republic affirmed once again my belief in Africa’s potential. First stop, Sèmè City. I addressed 100+ innovative, young African entrepreneurs, building the future of Africa, led by the CEO, Claude Borna. Sèmè City has been a longstanding partner of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, sharing our commitment to youth entrepreneurship. Sèmè City’s […]

Diary of TEF Impact – Kigali 2024

In between my meetings in Rwanda, I took time to visit a 2016 Tony Elumelu Foundation beneficiary, Yvette Ishimwe, Founder of Iriba Water Group. Proud of Yvette’s innovative Water ATM in Kigali. The water ATM provides access to clean water for rural communities. With USD5,000 seed capital in 2016, Yvette today employs 200 workers and […]

24 Hours in Senegal – 24 Heures au Sénégal

Last week, I visited Senegal, at the invitation of the President, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Newly elected and one of the youngest leaders in Africa, our shared passion for youth empowerment and economic transformation was the foundation of great conversations. We swapped experiences, shared laughs – and I listened to his ambitious agenda for driving […]

Celebrating Heirs Holdings At 14

Today marks a significant milestone, as we celebrate 14 years of excellence at Heirs Holdings Group. I wanted to share some reflections, as we look back at our achievements, and look forward, as we double down on our ambition: When one door closes, many others open. Fourteen years ago, my life changed – I was […]

Turning Fear into Ambition: Insights from my Personal Journey

Last week, at our quarterly induction session for new hires of Heirs Holdings Group, a new staff member asked me a question: “What are your fears?” It made me look back, think how my instincts, my perceptions and indeed my fears had changed over my life.  Our fears evolve with our aspirations.  Over time, my […]