Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called for a fundamental rethink of the world’s engagement with Africa, urging global leaders to shift from charity-driven models to ones rooted in investment, entrepreneurship, and equal partnership.
Speaking at a high-level Africa–Europe summit on economic cooperation and sustainable development on Monday, Elumelu said Africa’s future depends on strategic collaboration rather than aid.
“Africa needs partners, not charity. Our future will not be built by aid, but by investment, partnership, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He emphasized that Africa is at a defining moment—rich in opportunities but still constrained by deep structural challenges. For decades, he noted, much of the global engagement with the continent has focused on aid and humanitarian assistance rather than sustainable economic growth.
Elumelu highlighted Africa’s youthful population, vast natural resources, and growing innovation ecosystem as key assets that can attract long-term, mutually beneficial investment.
