General News
Tony Elumelu Lists 3 Things Africa must do to Bridge Infrastructure Gap
Tony Elumelu, group chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA, has listed strengthening fiscal capacity, driving operational efficiency, and unlocking innovative financing as three key things Africa must do to truly rise and bridge its infrastructure gap.
L-r: Faustin-Archange Touadéra, president, Central African Republic; and Mr. Tony Elumelu, group chair, UBA and Heirs Holdings and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Elumelu, also founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, urged Africa to enable the private sector to co-lead infrastructure development.
He stated all these in his keynote address at the African Caucus meeting held in Bangui, Central African Republic.
The meeting was themed, ‘Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital, and Green Assets’.
Elumelu highlighted that across Africa, there is a deep and persistent infrastructure divide.
“From roads to ports, power to internet connectivity, we lag behind. We cannot achieve prosperity without the foundations of modern development. Without addressing these gaps, we cannot unlock the growth and prosperity our people deserve,” he said.
He emphasised that energy access is the most critical enabler or barrier to Africa’s progress, pointing out that up to 70% of Africans still lack access to electricity.
“My home country, Nigeria, generates less than 7,000 megawatts for over 200 million people.
“If we are to industrialise, create jobs, and participate meaningfully in the global AI revolution, we must invest aggressively in energy from renewables to cleaner gas-based solutions. Imagine what Nigeria’s economy could become with 100,000 megawatts of reliable, affordable energy. That is the scale of transformation we need”, he said.
Elumelu called for a stronger role for the private sector in infrastructure delivery, citing the work of Transcorp and Heirs Energies as an example of how private capital can address public challenges.
“We are generating power, exporting it through the West African Power Pool, and using gas from our oil operations to power our plants. This is Africapitalism in action,” he said.
Africapitalism, he explained, is the belief that Africa’s private sector must lead in driving economic transformation through long-term investments that generate both economic and social returns.
But for Africapitalism to succeed, he said, strong public-private partnerships are essential.
“Governments must create the right environment. The private sector must bring capital and innovation. And our development partners must support Africa’s realities – including recognising gas as a viable transition fuel on our path to clean energy”, he added.
On Africa’s human capital, Elumelu underscored that no resource is more valuable than the continent’s people especially its youth.
“Africa is the youngest continent on earth, with over 60% of our population under 35. This presents both our greatest asset or our greatest risk,” he said. “If empowered, our youth can transform Africa. If neglected, they can become a source of instability.”
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he said, over 24,000 young entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries have been empowered with non-refundable seed capital of USD5,000 each.
The foundation has also trained 1.5 million youths and catalysed 1.2 million jobs. “These entrepreneurs are creating jobs, building businesses, and changing lives,” he noted.
To conclude his address, Elumelu delivered three powerful messages.
“Africa’s development is our responsibility. No one else will do it for us. Africa’s future is in our hands. No one will build this continent for us. We must lead,” he said. “Power is everything. No industrial revolution can happen without electricity. We must prioritise energy. Without power, there can be no progress.”
And finally, “We must invest in our youth. They are not just our future, they are our present.”
He commended the growing focus of global institutions on Africa, referencing his role on the IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth and expressing optimism about the renewed emphasis on job creation as a path to sustainable development.
He also praised the World Bank’s ‘Mission 300’ initiative led by President Ajay Banga, which aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity
“Africa is ready,” Elumelu declared. “Let’s seize this moment and build the prosperous, empowered continent our people deserve”.
A new MasterCard report has predicted that Africa’s AI economy will more than triple in five years, reaching $16.5 billion by 2030 from $4.5 billion in 2025.
The whitepaper by the global payments technology company, with a presence in over 50 African countries, identifies responsible adoption, stronger data infrastructure, and aggressive skills development as the three pillars that will determine who benefits.
Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard, emphasised that Africa stands at an inflection point, where smart technologies have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
He likened AI’s potential to the continent’s leap into mobile money, which bypassed traditional banking infrastructure and brought millions into the financial system.
“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” Elliott said.
The in-depth study flags several African frontrunners in AI adoption. South Africa tops the list, blending advanced infrastructure with strong research capabilities. It points out that Kenya is making strides with practical AI solutions, from credit scoring to healthcare services in local languages.
Nigeria’s vibrant start-up scene also gets a strong mention for attracting significant venture capital, while Morocco’s strong push in healthcare, agriculture, and energy, underpinned by bold national digital strategies, is another key driver.
Elliott stressed that success depends on powering electricity access, digitisation, and ensuring AI is fuelled by diverse, high-quality local data.
He added that inclusive transformation needs everyone involved, from small businesses to large corporations, policymakers, and communities. “The only good AI is responsible AI,” said Elliot.
Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, said Africa’s relationship with technology is one of active innovation, pointing to mobile payments as a homegrown success.
“AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” he said. Ulrich described MasterCard’s fraud detection systems, trained in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as proof that global expertise and local talent can combine to deliver secure, real-time services.
He also cautioned that with scale comes responsibility. “Trust is earned, one transaction at a time,” Ulrich said.
He believes that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s next challenge is turning strategy into delivery, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and ensuring AI lifts all communities.
The fellows of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 recently embarked on an immersive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Center, Cloud Service Centre, and Network Support Centre in Lagos, as part of their ongoing industry exposure sessions.
L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.
At the Huawei Innovation Center, the fellows were introduced to a wide array of next-generation technologies. Demonstrations covered Huawei’s smart city solutions, advanced power technologies, cloud systems, and upgraded router and antenna designs. These solutions represent the core of Huawei’s contributions as a strategic partner in MTN’s journey from a connectivity provider to a digital enabler.
One of the highlights of the tour was a live demo of an AI-powered video generator, which transformed selfies into high-definition 30-second avatar-based videos. The videos, created and delivered within seconds via Bluetooth, showcased the real-time capabilities of 5G.
Speaking on how 5G is transforming digital lifestyle globally, the Deputy Managing Director, Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Nigeria, Gavin Geng, noted that “Huawei’s goal is to bridge the gap between global innovation and local demand by tailoring technology to meet Nigeria’s specific challenges. From delivering Nigeria’s first digital village alongside our partners, to launching Nigeria’s first local cloud service, we are committed to working with our customers to build infrastructure that serve both urban and underserved communities.”
He emphasised Huawei’s commitment to security and cutting-edge innovation, adding that “as an employee-owned company adhering to strict global security standards, we ensure that customers’ data and connectivity remain secure while they benefit from next-gen solutions such as 5G, AI, smart city technologies.”
The session underscored MTN’s readiness to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s data-driven population and support the country’s digital transformation goals.
Afterwards, the fellows received certificates to commemorate the visit and proceeded to the Huawei Service Centre. Spanning 4,000 square metres, the facility supports operations in telecoms, finance, transportation, power, and public service.
With a dedicated DevOps team, the centre customises its monitoring systems for different clients. It is ISO27001 certified, and all employees hold security certifications, reflecting its emphasis on data protection and operational excellence.
To wrap up the day, the MIP cohort was hosted to a dinner attended by MTN’s Chief Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo. He encouraged the delegates to maximise the opportunity the programme offers and shared personal insights during an experience-sharing moment.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has given its Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) 48 hours to obtain and activate their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment licences on its newly upgraded diaspora enrolment platform.
The commission said the deadline followed the successful completion of a major upgrade aimed at improving the security, efficiency and reliability of NIN registration for Nigerians living abroad.
According to NIMC, the upgraded platform will offer a more seamless and robust service to diaspora applicants, ensuring faster processing and better data protection. To prepare for the transition, all FEPs have been onboarded onto the new system and taken through intensive training to equip them with the knowledge needed for effective management of the platform.
Once compliant partners activate their licences, Nigerians abroad will be able to access NIN enrolment services through them without disruption.
“The Commission apologises for any inconvenience the upgrade process might have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment,” NIMC said in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications.
Diaspora applicants experiencing difficulties have been advised to contact the commission for prompt assistance.
While the new system rolls out overseas, NIN enrolment continues across all centres in Nigeria, with applicants able to locate their nearest centres on the NIMC website. Nigerians at home or abroad can also modify their NIN data via the online self-service portal.
NIMC further encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play to instantly verify their NIN, control who can access their information, and enjoy secure authentication services.
AfDB Adopts AI to Fast-track Africa’s Development Blueprint
SEC Partners Chainalysis to Tackle Rising Crypto Scams
Glo Reduces International Call Rates
Tinubu Strengthens Telecom Governance with NCC, USPF Board Appointments
Anambra ICT Agency Champions Inclusive Tech-Driven Governance
E-Financial3 days agoNBS Reports ₦6.72 Trillion VAT Haul as Tax Reforms Pay Off
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Rolls Out Network-as-a-Service and Signs First MVNO to Drive Industry Efficiency
News3 days agoNo More Leaks: FIRS Slaps ₦5m Fine on Info Disclosure
Telecom2 days agoAirtel, Vodacom sign Network Infrastructure Agreement to Drive Digital Inclusion
Telecom2 days agoNCC Bars Ex-Officials from Joining Telecom Firms for 5 Years
E-Business2 days agoFirm Shares Tips for Safer Remote Working
- Telecom3 days ago
Airtel Money Africa Partners pawaPay for Seamless International Remittances Across Africa
E-Financial3 days agoFIRS Unveils e-Invoicing, Electronic Fiscal System for Large Taxpayers