Gabonese President General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on Monday, May 5, 2025, presented Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, with the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit at the presidential palace in Libreville. The prestigious award recognizes Elumelu’s significant contributions to Africa’s economic development, particularly in youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure growth in Gabon and beyond.

President Nguema, recently sworn in as Gabon’s elected leader, lauded Elumelu’s commitment to sustainable development, stating, “Tony Elumelu is a visionary entrepreneur and a committed friend of Gabon. Through his Foundation and UBA, he has shown that investing in Africa is the key to our shared future.” The award underscores Elumelu’s efforts to empower young Africans and strengthen financial partnerships, notably through UBA’s extensive operations across 20 African countries and beyond.

Elumelu expressed gratitude, saying, “I am truly humbled by this honour. It reflects a shared belief that African-led solutions and entrepreneurs will shape our continent’s future. Gabon holds enormous potential, and I am proud to support its development.” His work through the Tony Elumelu Foundation provides training, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed capital annually to young Gabonese and African entrepreneurs, fostering economic transformation.

The recognition aligns with Gabon’s focus on economic recovery and inclusive growth under Nguema’s leadership. Elumelu’s initiatives emphasize infrastructure financing and youth entrepreneurship, critical for long-term development. UBA’s role as a driver of financial inclusion further strengthens ties with Gabon.

Elumelu’s philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as a catalyst for Africa’s social and economic progress, guides his ventures, including Heirs Holdings and Transcorp. Since 2010, his Foundation has supported 18,500 entrepreneurs, creating a digital ecosystem for over one million Africans. This award highlights his enduring impact on Gabon and the continent.