Nigerian banker and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called for sustained investment in Africa’s youth, citing his own rise to leadership at 27 as proof of the transformative power of early trust and opportunity.
Elumelu, who now chairs Heirs Holdings and founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said he became a branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank at 27 — an experience that shaped his career and outlook.
“At that time, few believed a 27-year-old could successfully lead a bank branch. But that opportunity changed the entire course of my life. It gave me confidence, it gave me a platform, and it gave me perspective,” Elumelu said in a statement.
He stressed that his foundation’s mission to support young African entrepreneurs is rooted in this belief, noting: “My journey didn’t begin with capital. It began with trust.”
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When I was 27, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: I became a branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank, a young bank in Nigeria. Banking was beginning to change the country, it was the sector to be in, ripe for transformation, ready for disruption, for democratisation.
At that time, few believed a 27-year-old could successfully lead a bank branch. But that opportunity changed the entire course of my life.
It gave me confidence. It gave me a platform. Most importantly, it gave me perspective.
That’s why today, I am passionate about giving young people the same chance I was given. Because I know what’s possible when someone believes in you early.
This belief is at the heart of everything we do at the Tony Elumelu Foundation. It’s why we invest in young African entrepreneurs – because someone once invested in me.
My journey didn’t begin with capital. It began with trust.
Let’s keep believing in Africa’s youth. They are ready to lead, grow and transform our continent.
#TOEWay #Africapitalism #Leadership
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has funded and mentored thousands of young entrepreneurs across the continent since its launch in 2010, with a goal of fostering innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Elumelu added that Africa’s youth are “ready to lead, grow and transform our continent,” urging governments and private investors to place more faith in young talent.
