Elumelu Urges Africa to Drop Victim Mentality and Welcome Global Investors

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called on Africans to abandon a 'victim mentality' regarding colonial history and instead welcome foreign investment from all global powers. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, co-hosted by France and Kenya, Elumelu emphasized the urgent need for massive private global capital to drive development. He stated that investors from the United States, France, China, Russia, and Middle Eastern nations are all welcome, urging the continent to focus on the future rather than past grievances. Despite recent protests against French 'neo-colonialism,' Elumelu expressed confidence in President Emmanuel Macron's sincerity and commitment to Africa. The billionaire highlighted that the primary requirements for empowering young African entrepreneurs are improved infrastructure, including reliable electricity, mass transportation, security, and internet access. With Africa's median age under 20, Elumelu argued that rapid job creation and integration into the digital economy, including AI, are critical. He views the current economic competition among global powers as an advantageous position for Africa, provided the continent focuses on creating an enabling environment for its youth to thrive.