Africa’s Next Industrial Revolution at Risk Without Sustainable Capital, Says Nwazulu

Convener of the Mentor MatchUp Challenge (MMC), Ezinne Nwazulu, has called for a renewed focus on sustainable capital and industrial self-determination as the foundation for Africa’s long-term economic growth.

She delivered the remarks during her opening remarks at the 7th edition of the Mentor MatchUp Challenge (MMC 7.0), where she outlined a vision for building resilient, self-reliant industrial ecosystems across the continent.

Ezinne said Africa’s economic transformation will be driven not by isolated brilliance but by the collective preparedness of founders, operators, and industrialists who invest in capacity building, strategic partnerships and disciplined execution.

She emphasized that entrepreneurship is shaped long before visibility and scale are achieved.

“The journey begins long before the spotlight moments. Seeking knowledge early, staying curious, finding guidance, and building the right circles are what shape sustainable breakthroughs,” Ezinne said.

She noted that this philosophy sits at the core of MMC’s mission: to create a platform where entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and build capacity ahead of opportunity, ensuring they are prepared when growth capital, partnerships, or market access becomes available.

A central focus of her address was the urgent need to develop sustainable capital structures capable of financing Africa’s industrial ambitions.

Ezinne highlighted the challenges of raising long-term capital and stressed the importance of de-risking industrial ventures to attract patient, strategic investment aligned with economic sovereignty.

“Economic sovereignty is built, not wished for,” she said, adding that while Africa possesses the talent and ambition to produce at scale, industrial growth requires strengthened local value chains and intentional ecosystem design.

Without this, she warned, the continent remains dependent on external manufacturing and exposed to global supply-chain disruptions.

Ezinne also challenged prevailing global ESG narratives, arguing that Africa must define sustainability on its own terms.

She said the continent should actively shape climate and development solutions that reflect its realities, resources, and growth priorities, rather than adopting frameworks that limit industrial progress.

Beyond capital and production, Ezinne emphasized mentorship as a critical enabler of industrial readiness, describing it as a tool that accelerates learning, reduces costly mistakes, and democratizes access to experience.

She said MMC’s structure is intentionally designed to give founders direct access to industry leaders, practical insights, and cross-sector relationships.

In her closing remarks, Ezinne expressed appreciation to sponsors and strategic partners, including the AfCFTA Secretariat, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), African Energy Commission of the African Union, Nepal Energies, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, VFD Group, BlackCheetah, Fidelity Bank, African Energy Chamber, Waltersmith, Rainoil Ltd, Gloch Stylistic Limited, Access Bank, Sevenup Bottling Company, Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), Ghana Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (GHANJACC), Amila Africa, Aruwa Capital Management, Geo Travel, The Cable, The Sun, Nigerian Canada Alumni Assocition (NCAA), AA Holdings, Condia, Mainland Oil and Gas, Riverlake, Chapel Hill Denham, CBW-Africa, Moneda, Arcadia, Eventpadi, Vontech, NaijaStartups, ninthgrid, Gdelite, 818 tequila, Declan for supporting a future where African businesses trade with the rest of the world on equitable terms.

Their engagement, she said, represents an investment in industries, founders, and economic systems that will shape Africa’s development for decades to come.