Ernst and Young (EY), a well-known professional services firm, has named Mr Mitchell Elegbe, the founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch, as the 2023 West African Entrepreneur of the Year (Masters Category).
Mr Elegbe was honoured for his contributions as an entrepreneur to Nigeria’s and the West African region’s economic development, having distinguished himself in business leadership and technology development.
This latest honour comes on the heels of his selection as 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 honours successful entrepreneurs who have used their ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance to build and grow successful businesses. For over 30 years, the programme, a yearly global event, has received international acclaim.
According to EntrepreneurNG, Mr Elegbe received his award on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at a prestigious gala held in Lagos. Mr Anthony Oputa, Regional Managing Partner of EY West Africa, and Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Trade and Investment, were among those who attended the event.
The first edition in West Africa was held in 2011. Since then, the programme has recognised several deserving Nigerians, including Mr Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a former Group Managing Director of Access Bank; and Mr Cosmas Maduka of the Coscharis Group.
