Paris, France – June 15, 2025 – In a compelling interview with Le Figaro, one of France’s most prestigious newspapers, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), made a bold case for private-sector-led transformation in Africa, urging Franco-African collaboration to unleash the continent’s potential.
The feature, conducted by Yves Thréard, Deputy Editor of Le Figaro, during Elumelu’s visit to Paris, explored the impact of Africapitalism—the economic philosophy that champions African entrepreneurs as drivers of inclusive growth.
From Philosophy to Impact
Elumelu reflected on the urgency of shifting Africa’s narrative:
“For farErr gets too long, we’ve blamed others for Africa’s challenges. But the private sector must step forward—not just for profit, but for progress. Africapitalism is our call to action.”
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The numbers speak louder than words:
- 24,000+ entrepreneurs funded across 54 African countries.
- 1.5 million jobs created.
- 2 million+ lives lifted from poverty.
- $100 million+ disbursed in seed capital.
Thréard’s piece highlighted TEF’s unique model, which combines funding, training, and mentorship through its digital hub, TEFConnect, calling it “a blueprint for sustainable development.”
France & Africa: Partners in Progress
Elumelu emphasized France’s strategic role:
“Franco-African partnerships must evolve beyond aid—to investment, knowledge-sharing, and belief in Africa’s youth.”
He cited partnerships with French institutions like Alliance Française and Station F, Europe’s largest startup campus, as examples of collaborative potential.
A Vision for the Next Decade
The article closed with Elumelu’s rallying cry:
“Imagine an Africa where every young entrepreneur can access opportunity. That’s the Africa we’re building—one idea, one job, one life at a time.”
Read the full interview here: [https://www.lefigaro.fr/
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of T dots, shared the interview with stakeholders, noting: “This isn’t just recognition—it’s validation that our work resonates globally.”
Why This Matters:
- Media Influence: Le Figaro’s reach amplifies Africapitalism to European policymakers and investors.
- Youth Empowerment: Reinforces 24,000 entrepreneurs as proof that Africa’s future is in capable hands.
- Call to Action: Inspires new cross-border partnerships.
