Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu has urged African nations to stop dwelling on the pains of colonial history and instead embrace global partnerships that can drive investment, infrastructure, and massive job creation across the continent.

According to cbinews.tv, Nigerian economist and business mogul Tony Elumelu says Africa’s future depends on attracting large-scale foreign investment from every part of the world, regardless of historical tensions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi — co-hosted by France and Kenya — Elumelu stressed that Africa must prioritize economic growth and development over resentment tied to the continent’s colonial past.

“What we need in Africa in the 21st century is massive private global capital coming into Africa,” Elumelu said in an interview with AFP.

The billionaire entrepreneur noted that Africa should remain open to partnerships from the United States, Europe, China, Russia, the Middle East, and other global powers willing to contribute to the continent’s development.

Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa, recently joined French President Emmanuel Macron’s Africa France Impact Coalition, an initiative aimed at strengthening trade relations between African and French businesses.

Despite criticism from anti-France protesters in Nairobi who accused France of “neo-colonialism,” Elumelu dismissed the narrative, urging Africans to adopt a forward-looking mindset.

“We should stop this victim mentality,” he stated. “We should be cognisant of our history, but more importantly, commit to the future.”

He added that the current generation of leaders should not be judged solely by the actions of the past, expressing confidence in Macron’s commitment to Africa.

Elumelu also highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development across the continent, especially in electricity, transportation, security, and ease of doing business.

According to him, Africa’s youthful population presents a major economic opportunity if governments and private investors create the right environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“They need jobs, improved access to electricity, internet connectivity, and opportunities to join the AI revolution,” he said.

The philanthropist further described the growing global interest in Africa from powers such as China, Europe, the United States, Russia, Turkey, and Gulf nations as a positive sign for the continent’s economic future.

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