The President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, awarded one of the most prestigious national distinctions, the rank of commander in the national order of Gabonese merit, to Mr. Tony Elumelu, president of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
This high distinction rewards the sustainable contribution of Tony Elumelu to the economic development of Africa, in particular its impact on young people entrepreneurship and the growth of infrastructure in Gabon and in other African countries.
During the ceremony held Monday, May 05, 2025 at the presidential palace in Libreville, President Oligui Nguema, freshly invested at the head of the country, praised Tony Elumelu’s commitment in favor of inclusive and sustainable African development. He said:
“Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur, but also a dedicated friend of our nation, Gabon. Through its foundation and the UBA group, he has constantly demonstrated that investing in Africa is not only a good deal, it is the key to our common future. Today, we pay tribute to a man whose actions continue to empower African youth and inspire entire nations. »»
While welcoming this distinction, Tony Elumelu, who has made several high -level visits to Gabon in recent months, has expressed his deep gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to support the country’s development program:
-“I am deeply touched by this honor. It reflects not only my personal journey, but also a common conviction: African solutions, African entrepreneurs and African institutions will shape the future of this continent. Gabon has enormous potential, and I am proud that the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the UBA group can help to release it ”
“It’s more than a medal: it is a reminder of what we can accomplish together as a fecans. At UBA and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we remain determined to build bridges, not only between nations, but also between ambition and opportunities. »»
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for Gabon, while the country accelerates its economic recovery and places inclusive growth at the heart of its strategy under the new presidential direction.
Tony Elumelu’s commitment focuses on two key pillars: infrastructure financing, essential for long -term economic transformation, and young people entrepreneurship, supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which offers training, mentorship and $ 5,000 in non -refundable priming capital to young Gabonese and African entrepreneurs.
This price also highlights the strengthening of the financial partnership between Gabon and United Bank for Africa (UBA), with its presence in Gabon and on a continent as an essential engine of financial inclusion and development.
