Coronation Backs Africa CEO Forum as Gold Sponsor, Elumelu Champions AFC’s Role in Africa’s Growth

Coronation Group has returned as a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Africa CEO Forum, set to take place on May 12–13 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This yearly event gathers top African business leaders, government officials, investors, and policymakers to discuss Africa’s economic future and promote partnerships across the continent. Coronation says its participation reflects a strong belief in “craftsmanship,” meaning ”careful and impactful financial solutions that help people and businesses create long-term wealth in Africa. According to the group, this belief shapes how they work in every market. A major highlight will be a one-on-one session featuring Coronation Group Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. He’ll discuss how African family businesses can move from just surviving to building strong legacies that last for generations. Acha Leke, Chairman of McKinsey Africa, will lead the conversation.

Paul Abiagam, acting CEO of Coronation Merchant Bank, will also speak on a panel discussing the high cost of capital in Africa and how businesses can respond to global shifts in their favor. The panel includes experts from Moody’s, Bank of America, Skykapital, and public sector leaders. They’ll explore important topics like capital flows, currency changes, and ways to improve credit access in Africa. Other key Coronation leaders attending include Yemi Sadik (CEO, Coronation Trustees), Yaw Adom-Boateng (CEO, Coronation Insurance Ghana), and Ngozi Akinyele (CMCO, Coronation Group). Their presence shows Coronation’s strength across different sectors like investment, banking, and insurance, all focused on building wealth and prosperity for future generations. Wole Onasanya, Group CEO of Coronation, said the company’s return to the Forum highlights its ongoing commitment to Africa’s growth. He described the Forum as a place for meaningful conversations and leadership that can shape Africa’s future.

In another major development, Nigerian business leader Tony Elumelu urged the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to keep focusing on projects that bring real and lasting change to the continent. Speaking at AFC Day in London, Elumelu praised AFC’s work in supporting impactful projects and urged them to stay focused on delivering value where it matters most. He praised the leadership of current AFC CEO Samaila Zubairu, noting how well the team has carried out the vision set by the corporation’s founders. Elumelu also shared personal stories of how AFC has helped private sector projects, such as Transcorp’s power investments, with over $120 million in support. He noted that the AFC’s help has gone beyond just money; it has made big ideas possible. Elumelu also mentioned another large energy project where AFC contributed $150 million to a $1.1 billion deal. Founded in 2007 by African countries, the AFC was created to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges and investment gaps. It provides funding, develops projects, and offers expert advice. Elumelu ended his speech with a hopeful message, saying he looks forward to more AFC successes in the years to come.