By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A renowned professional services firm, Ernst and Young (EY), has announced the founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, as the 2023 West African Entrepreneur of the Year (Masters Category).
Mr Elegbe was awarded for his contributions as an entrepreneur to the economic development of Nigeria and the West African region, having distinguished himself in business leadership and technology development.
This latest win is particularly significant as it followed his emergence as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Emerging Entrepreneur category) in 2012.
“I am indeed humbled to have been honoured with this award, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to the panel of judges and to Ernst and Young West Africa for providing this platform that acknowledges and celebrates entrepreneurs in the region,” Mr Elegbe said of the honour.
Speaking further, he said, “A founder is only as effective as the team around him or her, and so this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team at Interswitch who have dedicated themselves to creating solutions that enable individuals and communities prosper across Africa.
“This recognition will serve to further entrench our commitment to never stop pushing the boundaries of innovation in a bid to create an Africa where payments are a seamless part of everyday life.”
The recognition automatically qualifies the Interswitch boss to contest in the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the year 2023 to be hosted in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards programme celebrates successful entrepreneurs who have combined ingenuity, hard work and perseverance to create and sustain successful growing businesses. The programme, a yearly global event, has enjoyed international recognition for over 30 years.
Business Post gathered that Mr Elegbe received his award on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at a prestigious gala held in Lagos. The event was witnessed by the Regional Managing Partner of EY West Africa, Mr Anthony Oputa; and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo; among others.
The inaugural edition in West Africa took place in 2011. Since then, the programme has awarded several worthy Nigerians, including Mr Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group; Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a former Group Managing Director of Access Bank; and Mr Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Group.
Adedapo Adesanya