Read Our Success Stories
Celebrating Africa’s Heroes of Economic Growth
Inspiring stories from individuals and organizations driving change
Discover how EDA members are transforming their communities and industries. From innovative startups to impactful government policies, our success stories showcase the power of collaboration and innovation.
Tony Elumelu
Tony O. Elumelu is a Nigerian economist, banker, and philanthropist. He chairs Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa (UBA), and is the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.
This is why he is a true champion;
- Entrepreneurship Champion: Founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has empowered over 10,000 African entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and training programs.
- Job Creation: This initiative has directly and indirectly created millions of jobs across the continent, contributing significantly to economic growth.
- Promoting African Businesses: Elumelu has been a vocal advocate for African businesses, connecting them with international investors and markets.
- Africapitalism: He champions “Africapitalism,” a philosophy that emphasizes the role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic development and social progress in Africa.
Impact on Economic Development: Elumelu’s work has had a profound impact on the African economy by:
- Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Creating jobs and reducing unemployment.
- Promoting economic growth and development across the continent.
- Inspiring a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
We celebrate you, Tony Elemelu! You are a true champion of African economic development.
Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian businessman and industrialist. He is the founder and chairman of the Dangote Group, a multinational industrial conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, and other commodities
This is why he is a true champion;
- Industrial Giant: Founded the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, and other commodities.
- Pan-African Impact: Expanded his business across Africa, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth in numerous countries.
- Infrastructure Development: Invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and ports, which are crucial for economic development.
- Philanthropy: Established the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which focuses on improving healthcare, education, and food security in Africa.
Impact on Economic Development: Dangote has significantly impacted African economies by:
- Creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
- Developing critical infrastructure that facilitates trade and economic growth.
- Promoting industrialization and import substitution.
- Supporting social development initiatives through his philanthropic endeavors.
We celebrate you, Aliko Dangote! You are a true champion of African economic development.
Mike Adenuga
Mike Adenuga Jr. is a Nigerian billionaire businessman, known for founding Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecommunications operator. He also has significant interests in oil and gas through Conoil Producing.
This is why he is a true champion;
- Telecommunications Pioneer: Founded Globacom, a leading telecommunications company in Nigeria and several other African countries, revolutionizing mobile phone services in the region.
- Oil and Gas Mogul: A significant player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to the country’s energy sector.
- Infrastructure Development: Invested in critical infrastructure projects, including the Glo-1 submarine cable, which significantly improved internet connectivity across Africa.
Impact on Economic Development: Adenuga has significantly impacted African economies by:
- Creating jobs and fostering economic growth through his businesses.
- Expanding access to telecommunications services, facilitating communication and economic activity.
- Driving technological advancements and improving connectivity across the continent.
We celebrate you, Mike Adenuga! You are a true champion of African economic development.
Jim Ovia
Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman and banker. He is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.
This is why he is a true champion;
- Banking Pioneer: Founded Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, transforming the Nigerian banking landscape.
- Financial Inclusion: Played a crucial role in expanding access to financial services for individuals and businesses across Nigeria.
- Philanthropy: Established the Jim Ovia Foundation, which focuses on education and youth empowerment through scholarships and other initiatives.
Impact on Economic Development: Ovia has significantly impacted the Nigerian economy by:
- Driving financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.
- Creating jobs and fostering a thriving banking sector.
- Investing in education and empowering the next generation of leaders.
We celebrate you, Jim Ovia! You are a true champion of African economic development.
Abdul Samad Rabiu
Abdul Samad Rabiu is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of the BUA Group, a major conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and food processing.
This is why he is a true champion;
- Industrialist: Founded the BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and food processing.
- Job Creation: Created numerous jobs across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
- Infrastructure Development: Invested in key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a deep-sea port in Nigeria.
- Philanthropy: Actively involved in philanthropic activities, supporting education and community development initiatives.
Impact on Economic Development: Rabiu has significantly contributed to the Nigerian economy by:
- Driving industrialization and promoting import substitution.
- Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
- Investing in critical infrastructure that supports economic development.
- Supporting social and economic development initiatives through philanthropy.
We celebrate you, Abdul Samad Rabiu! You are a true champion of African economic development.
