Elumelu Advocates for Women's Leadership in African Business

Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, called on African business leaders to accelerate the appointment of women to top corporate positions during his keynote address at the 25th annual conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos. The conference theme was "Rooted, Rising, Ready: Born in Africa, Built for the World." Elumelu stated that companies must back their commitment to gender inclusion with actual appointments and access to capital.

He emphasized that women's economic leadership is crucial for competitiveness and that no economy can afford to underutilize half of its talent. Elumelu cited Heirs Holdings as an example, where women hold significant leadership roles, including his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu, who chairs multiple companies.

He also mentioned the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has invested over US$120 million in entrepreneurs across Africa, with women comprising 48 percent of those supported. Elumelu urged leaders to examine barriers preventing qualified women from advancing in their organizations.