Awele Elumelu calls for enabling environment to drive Africa’s economic growth
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
The Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice Limited, Awele Elumelu, has said the global success of Africa’s music industry reflects the continent’s potential to excel in other sectors if provided with the right support and enabling environment.
Speaking at an event for young entrepreneurs, Elumelu recalled how her family was excited by Beyoncé’s album featuring Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, describing it as a powerful reflection of Africa’s immense potential.
“Our own homegrown African talent, sharing the stage with the biggest pop star in the world, is an amazing testament to the immense potential of African entrepreneurs individually and as a collective,” she said.
The business executive argued that the same level of excellence exists in other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), fashion and healthcare, provided they receive the right support, resources and enabling environment to compete globally.
Elumelu encouraged young Africans to believe in their potential, saying they owe it to themselves, their families, their communities and the continent to pursue success through hard work. She urged them to remain resilient, disciplined and consistent, stressing the importance of perseverance in achieving their goals.
Awele, who is also the co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said the organisation believes Africa is home to many hidden gems who can become global trailblazers if given the right support, training and seed capital.
“This reinforces our belief at the Tony Elumelu Foundation that there are hidden gems in Africa who, with the right amount of support, training and seed capital, can become global trailblazers in their chosen fields,” she said.
