The political independence of most African Countries in the sixties was followed by prolonged military dictatorship that resulted in the underdevelopment of the continent. The private sector in the same period was waiting on the government, no matter the complexity, to provide the enabling environment for business and economic growth, but to no avail, as governments of respective African countries are characterized by inept and corrupt leadership.
The hope of African Industrialization and transformation in the 20th century through the promotion of creativity and entrepreneurs was dashed.
A decade after the dawn of the new millennium, precisely in 2010 a new era for Africa renewal opened through the instrumentality of Tony Elumelu, a banker of international repute. Little wonder that a columnist on the back page of the Guardian newspaper 1st December 2021, described Tony Elumelu as Quintessential Pan Africanist.
This is well captured in the Foundation’s mission statement that partly reads “The Tony Elumelu foundation is the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa. Our objective is to empower women and men across the continent, catalyzing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation. We believe the private sector’s role especially, that of young entrepreneurs is critical for Africa’s development, and in fulfillment of this responsibility, the private sector must create both economic and social wealth.” It is on this premise that our cover story centres on the empowering Africa Entrepreneurship by The Tony Elumelu Foundation is a spring board for African transformation. It makes an interesting reading.
As the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, the negative effect globally and Africa in particular, is to say the least unpalatable. What options for Africa to cushion the economic impasse of the war are recommended in this edition of Landmark Africa Magazine.
We bring to your delight two exclusive and exciting interviews; one is a key player in the Real Estate Sector and the second is from the Boat Building and Maritime Services.