LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Gabon’s President Brice Nguema has awarded Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit — the country’s highest civilian honour — in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Africa’s economic development.
The honour was bestowed during a ceremony on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the presidential palace in Libreville, where President Nguema praised Elumelu’s transformative role in driving infrastructure investment and youth entrepreneurship, not just in Gabon, but across the continent.
“Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon,” said President Nguema.
“Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business – it is the key to our shared future.”
Accepting the award, Elumelu called the recognition a powerful symbol of what African collaboration can achieve:
“I am truly humbled by this honour. It is a reflection not just of my personal journey, but of a shared belief – that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent.”
He reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to Gabon’s development, citing the bank’s role in financing infrastructure and empowering entrepreneurs, especially through the Tony Elumelu Foundation which has supported over 20,000 young African entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and $5,000 in seed funding.
UBA described the award as coming at a critical time in Gabon’s national transformation, as the country under new leadership prioritises inclusive economic recovery and deeper regional partnerships.
The bank said it will continue supporting Gabon’s efforts through strategic financing and cross-border collaboration.
“This is more than a medal,” Elumelu added.
“It is a reminder of what we can achieve together as Africans — by building bridges between ambition and opportunity.”
