Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), hosted a reception with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), to highlight youth unemployment and hunger in Africa, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly meetings, in New York City.

The gathering convened philanthropists, entrepreneurs, change makers, policymakers and global leaders.

Dialogue centred on two pressing themes, fundamental to Africa’s transformation: providing a lasting solution to hunger and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship to eradicate poverty on the continent.  With over 7,500 of Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneurs drawn from the food sector, the link between sustainable access to food and entrepreneurship was clear.

The event was also an opportunity for WFP, once again, to highlight the “forgotten” humanitarian emergencies ongoing in Africa, including Sudan and the DRC, where WFP is delivering in the most challenging of environments.

McCain detailed WFP’s efforts to mitigate hunger in global conflict zones, including Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Both McCain and Elumelu underlined the urgency and the need for novel approaches, going beyond short-term fixes, and creating sustainable, empowering solutions.

Hunger in Africa is often a direct consequence of climate change and Elumelu reiterated the need for an equitable approach to climate and sustainable energy across Africa.

The event also served to introduce WFP’s exclusive philanthropic initiative, spearheaded by McCain, which aims to unite global leaders in the pursuit of Zero Hunger.

“We are at a pivotal moment where global hunger has reached alarming levels, fuelled by conflict, economic instability, and the climate crisis. WFP is supporting communities in need across the globe, but we cannot do it alone. Political and private sector leaders must step up now. We need bold action and innovative partnerships to turn the rising tide of humanitarian needs. If we all join hands in the fight against hunger, we can achieve our shared ambition of a better future for all,” said McCain.

Elumelu spoke of the vital role entrepreneurship plays in fostering stability, growth and purpose. He said: “Entrepreneurship creates economic resilience and plays a critical role in preventing crises. 783 million people are affected by hunger worldwide – this is a humanitarian issue, a global crisis.

At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we empower young African entrepreneurs who will build resilient economies from the ground up and drive sustainable change, ensuring prosperity even in the most fragile contexts.”

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalysing job creation across all 54 African countries, and ensuring inclusive economic empowerment. prosperity. In 2015, Elumelu and his family committed US$100 million to launch a legacy entrepreneurship programme, to empower young African entrepreneurs.

Since the launch of the Programme, the Foundation has given access to training to over 1.5 million young Africans on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed USD$100 million in direct funding to 20,000+ young African women and men, who have collectively generated over USD$2.5 billion in revenue and created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs across Africa.

The Foundation’s mission is rooted in Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent.”

NOVA Bank has strengthened its leadership by appointing Mr. David Isiavwe and Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu as Executive Director, Operations and Information Technology, and Executive Director, Institutional and Commercial Banking, respectively.

David Isiavwe and Chinwe Iloghalu are both experts in the banking sector, and with their wealth of experience, the bank is set to drive its innovation and growth, particularly after its recent transition to a national commercial bank.

Mr. Phillips Oduoza, the bank’s chairman, stated that the addition of Isiavwe and Iloghalu marks a critical point in the bank’s growth.

With these seasoned professionals on board, NOVA aims to become a key player in Nigeria’s banking sector.

Announcing the appointments, Phillips Oduoza noted, “The addition of Dr. Isiavwe and Mrs. Iloghalu marks a pivotal moment in constituting the management team that will lead NOVA into its next phase of growth.

“David’s expertise in technology will be key in enhancing our phygital model, while Chinwe’s strong business drive and relationship management, coupled with the retail and product engine of the bank, will be instrumental in driving the bank’s strategic intent to become a formidable player in the banking industry.”

He added, “Their deep understanding of digital and electronic banking will significantly contribute to our trademarked phygital experience, which seamlessly combines the best of in-person service and bespoke digital solutions to serve our customers.

Both leaders bring valuable experience that aligns perfectly with NOVA’s vision to be Africa’s preferred financial solutions provider.”

Mrs. Iloghalu brings nearly 30 years of experience across sectors like energy, corporate, and digital banking. She holds an MSc in Media and Communications, an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration.

Meanwhile, Mr. Isiavwe, with over 30 years of experience in banking and a PhD in Accounting, will focus on driving NOVA’s digital transformation.

Vestergaard Sàrl announced today that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, acting through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company, as an initial step to establish the country as the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to combat malaria – and the first on the continent to produce dual active-ingredient nets to help combat insecticide resistance.

Nearly every minute a child under 5 years old dies from malaria. The African continent accounts for almost 95% of the world’s malaria cases – one quarter of these are in Nigeria. New approaches are needed to boost access to tried-and-tested, cost-effective tools to combat the disease, and local manufacturing of nets, medicines and vaccines is a priority for the continent.

The MoU announced today lays the foundation for Vestergaard to establish a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner in Nigeria, potentially supported by MedAccess, a social investor founded by British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. Selection of an appropriate partner is currently underway and will be subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a due diligence process. Vestergaard is also discussing opportunities for financing with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

If successful, the joint venture will result in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that is expected to function as a flagship on ITN quality and bioefficacy performance, as well as industrial health, safety and sustainability practices. At scale, the planned facility would produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets every year, for both domestic use in Nigeria and international export. It would create around 600 jobs in Nigeria.

Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Hon. Minister of Health for Nigeria, said: “Increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria. Collaborative efforts, such as this, are essential to mobilizing the resources and expertise needed to combat malaria effectively.”

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “High standards in local production are non-negotiable. By investing in local bed net production, we are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges. This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards attaining this for Nigerians and the broader West African population. ”

Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, said: “Next generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Regional manufacturing is in turn a critical tool to ensure that the nets are available quickly, reliably, and sustainably. This agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Vestergaard underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while strengthening supply chain resilience in the region. MedAccess is looking forward to working in partnership to explore how innovative finance can support this initiative.”

Jim Polan, Vice President, Office of Health & Agribusiness at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), said: “DFC’s investments in regional manufacturing, particularly in Africa, aim to strengthen health system resilience and diversify supply chains. We are exploring a variety of opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better prepared to respond to malaria and other vector-borne transmission due to changing climate patterns.”

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This partnership exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria. We are very grateful for their engagement and support as we work together with partners to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets.”