The Abuja Times

President Bio and Elumelu Call for Investment in West Africa's Future

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio and Nigerian entrepreneur Tony Elumelu have united in a call to the West African private sector, urging them to harness the region's potential for job creation and economic growth. Their collaboration emphasizes the critical role of private investment in addressing youth unemployment across the region.

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The Abuja Times

Thu, 8 Oct 2026• 2 min read
President Bio and Elumelu Call for Investment in West Africa's Future
President Bio and Elumelu Call for Investment in West Africa's Future — The Abuja Times Newsroom

In a significant move to bolster economic development in West Africa, Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has joined forces with renowned Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu to advocate for increased private sector investment in the region. During a recent forum, the two leaders highlighted the urgent need to leverage the vast potential of West African resources, with a focus on creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth.

Elumelu, who is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with their aspirations to combat unemployment among young people. He stated, “This is consistent with our aspirations to create jobs for our young people,” underscoring the critical role that the private sector plays in driving economic growth and development.

The partnership aims to encourage entrepreneurs and investors to explore the myriad investment opportunities present in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. By fostering a collaborative environment, Bio and Elumelu hope to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately transforming the region's economic landscape.

“Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that empowers our youth and leads to sustainable development,” President Bio remarked, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling shared challenges.

This initiative comes at a time when many West African nations are grappling with high unemployment rates and economic stagnation. By rallying the private sector, both leaders aim to inspire confidence and action among investors, paving the way for a prosperous future for the region.

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