In a strong show of appreciation for his transformational work across Africa, the President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has bestowed the nation’s highest national honour – the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit – on Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu.
The prestigious award, presented at the presidential palace in Libreville on Monday, celebrates Elumelu’s significant contributions to Africa’s economic progress, with particular focus on his support for youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure development in Gabon and beyond.
President Nguema, who was recently sworn in as the newly elected leader of the oil-rich Central African country, praised Elumelu’s enduring impact on the continent. “Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation, Gabon,” he said. “Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business – it is the key to our shared future.”
In response, Elumelu expressed deep gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to Gabon’s development agenda. “I am truly humbled by this honour. It reflects a shared belief that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent,” he said. “This is more than a medal – it is a reminder of what we can achieve together as Africans.”
The recognition comes at a pivotal time in Gabon’s history, as the country pursues economic recovery and inclusive growth under new leadership. Elumelu’s initiatives align closely with these goals, particularly through the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s annual support of Gabonese entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.
The award also signals a deepening partnership between Gabon and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), which Elumelu chairs. UBA has a strong presence in Gabon and operates in 20 African countries, as well as in global financial hubs including the UK, France, UAE, and the United States.
Beyond UBA, Elumelu is the founder of Heirs Holdings and Chairman of Transcorp Group, with interests spanning power, hospitality, energy, technology, and healthcare. His economic philosophy, Africapitalism, champions the private sector – and especially entrepreneurship – as the engine of Africa’s development.
Since establishing the Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2010, over 18,500 African entrepreneurs have been funded and mentored, while the Foundation has built a digital community of more than one million across all 54 African countries. The Foundation’s $100 million commitment continues to catalyse job creation and reduce poverty continent-wide.
Elumelu’s global recognition includes a spot on the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people and Belgium’s oldest royal honour. Now, Gabon joins the chorus of nations acknowledging his vital role in shaping a new, self-reliant Africa.
