BY NDUMBE BELL GASTON IN DOUALA
The Tony Elumelu Foundation(TEF) Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank of Africa(UBA),Tony Elumelu has told the French President Emmanuel Macron, during his maiden trip to Nigeria that France and the rest of the world should realize the African narrative is changing for aland of opportunities.
He made this known to the French leader while the foundation played host in Lagos ,last Wednesday July 4,in what was described as an electrifying interactive session in front of 2000 alumni, emerging and established business men and women across Africa.
Vibrant and anxious participants sought to known how to grow their business in order to reach the, European front amidst rising nationalism and emerging trade wars, and even the secrets of his political success.
Speaking at an exclusive session, according to a release from the communication division of UBA Cameroon, Emmanuel Macron was reported to have offered a bold new vision of France’s relationship with Africa in which he passionately advocated partnership which prioritized the role of entrepreneurship in driving Africa’s renaissance through the private sector while driving in the message that Africa’s futurewas and should be in Africa’s hands.
Standing side by side with Tony Elumelu who also acted as moderator of the historic event, the French leader declared that: “To young African entrepreneurs never listen to people who are telling you to wait. If you believe in your projects, just do it. Our role is to help the new generation to seize opportunities and rise to the challenge. That is what underpins a new balanced relationship.”
After acknowledging the importance of African entrepreneurship, the leader of TEF declared: “the French president recognizes the critical importance of African entrepreneurs to sustainable economic development on the continent; he knows the African narrative is changing and will change, his voice is refreshing and welcomed.We want France and the rest of the world to realize that Africa is a continent of opportunities.”
In concluding the event, TEF signed an agreement with Agence Francaise de Developpement(AFD) and another with the French Development Bank. The agreement facilitated the establishment of a research partnership to examine entrepreneurship ecosystem in West Africa, with special focus on Francophone countries and a risk-sharing guarantee framework and access to high-level mentors for Tony Elumelu Foundation. Established in 2010, TEF is known to be leading philanthropy in Africa by championing entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs across the continent.