The President of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has awarded Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit—the nation’s highest honour.
The award, presented during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Libreville, recognises Elumelu’s significant contributions to economic development in Africa, particularly in youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure.
President Nguema, recently sworn in as head of state, commended Elumelu’s dedication to African progress, describing him as “a visionary entrepreneur and a true friend of Gabon.”
“Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, Tony Elumelu has shown that investing in Africa is both smart business and a path to a stronger future,” Nguema said.
In his remarks, Elumelu expressed gratitude, calling the honour a symbol of collective ambition and continental unity.
“This is more than a medal—it’s a reminder of what we can achieve together. African-led solutions will define our future, and I am proud to support Gabon’s journey,” he said.
Elumelu also serves on the IMF’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, underscoring his growing global influence.
