EMPOWERING AFRICA’S ENTREPRENEURS: SOMACHI CHRIS-ASOLUKA’S KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE YALE AFRICA INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM
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“Collective Vision, Collective Action: Building Africa’s Future”
Yale University | February 7, 2025
“Collective vision, collective action: Building Africa is not just a theme, it is a call to mobilization, a declaration of urgency, and a blueprint for change.” With these words, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, set the tone for the 2025 Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS). Addressing an audience of young leaders, innovators, and changemakers, she delivered a powerful message on Africa’s transformation—one driven by entrepreneurship, policy reform, and strategic collaboration.
Redefining Africa’s Narrative
Chris-Asoluka wasted no time in challenging the long-held perceptions of Africa. “Ours is a continent that has been long defined by others—our history shaped by limitations imposed upon us, by people who portray it as a land of problems, not possibilities.” But, she emphasized, this generation refuses to be confined by outdated narratives.
“We are here not to dwell on the past but because we are the architects of a new future. We gather because we have the power to shape the change we desire.”
She called on young leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to step into their roles as innovators and decision-makers, driving Africa’s growth from within rather than waiting for external solutions.
Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Change
A key focus of her speech was entrepreneurship—not as an alternative to development, but as the very foundation of Africa’s progress. She rejected the idea that African entrepreneurs need charity, instead advocating for stronger ecosystems that enable businesses to thrive.
“African entrepreneurs don’t need charity. They need an enabling environment.”
She outlined what this “enabling environment” entails—access to capital, policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and mentorship networks that empower businesses to scale. Using examples from the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s impact, she illustrated how small businesses, when given the right support, can drive job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Building Together: Leadership & Collaboration
Chris-Asoluka also stressed the importance of collective leadership, emphasizing that true success is measured not just by individual progress, but by the ability to uplift others along the way.
“Creating an environment where others are rising as you are rising” was her guiding principle—a challenge to leaders and entrepreneurs to build ecosystems rather than silos.
She encouraged attendees to move beyond competition and embrace collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive policies that create opportunities for all.
A Call to Action: Africa’s Moment is Now
Closing her speech, she issued a call to action for every attendee:
- Be architects of change, not just participants in conversation.
- Challenge outdated narratives and redefine Africa’s global position.
- Create opportunities, not just for yourself, but for those around you.
“The future we want is not something we wait for—it is something we build. It is something we demand. It is something we create together.”
Her words resonated deeply, setting an inspirational and urgent tone for the symposium. As applause filled the room, the challenge was clear: the time for action is now.
