Nigerian business leader and philanthropist, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, has called on African women to take the lead in building the continent’s economic future.

Jack-Rich made this declaration while delivering the keynote address at the Africa Female CEO Conference in Lagos.

She said Africa is no longer a passive participant in global markets, but a rising frontier of opportunity and women leaders must help define what that future looks like.

“Africa is the world’s next global frontier. With our natural resources, human capital, and youthful population, the world is watching us. This is our moment.

“And African female CEOs stand at the heart of this opportunity. We are not merely participants in global markets—we are architects of new, sustainable business models.” Jack-Rich said speaking on the theme “Building Sustainable Businesses.”

The future of African business, according to Jack-Rich, must be built on models rooted “in resilience, in inclusivity, and in a distinctly African vision of growth that the world can learn from.”

She claimed that too often sustainability is reduced to numbers on a balance sheet also noted that sustainability is not limited to financial outcomes, but includes the long-term well-being of communities, employees, and the environment.

“Too often, sustainability is reduced to numbers on a balance sheet. But true sustainability is broader—it is about people, purpose, and long-term value. As African women leaders, we must drive businesses that are not only profitable, but also socially impactful and ethically grounded.

“In my own journey—from aviation and oil & gas, to mining and philanthropy—I have learned that business cannot thrive without community. Every decision we make carries consequences for families, employees, and future generations. Sustainability is not just what we build today, but the legacy we leave tomorrow.

“Women-led enterprises ignite ripple effects that go far beyond profit. When women lead, they employ more women, support families, and uplift communities.”

While acknowledging the progress African women have made in business, Jack-Rich pointed out that significant challenges remain, including restricted access to funding, limited networks, and societal barriers.

To overcome these, she called for stronger intra-African partnerships and mentorship frameworks.

She stated; “It is important to note that no business thrives in isolation. For us to scale impact across industries and borders, collaboration is non-negotiable. Partnerships, mentorship, and networks among African women leaders must be strengthened. Together, we can create ecosystems that nurture female founders, open doors to capital, and amplify our collective voice on the global stage. When we join forces, our impact is multiplied, and our businesses become movements.”

Jack-Rich encouraged women leaders to support one another and leave a strong legacy. She quoted former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who once said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

But Jack-Rich noted that she believes “there is a special place in history for women who lift other women up—and that is what we are doing here today.”

She then urged the attendees saying ” I leave you with this call to action: let us build businesses that endure, empower, and elevate.

“And let us embrace the wisdom of Oprah Winfrey, who said, ‘Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.’

When women build, nations rise. When women lead, generations thrive. Let us commit today—not just to being successful CEOs—but to being custodians of Africa’s sustainable future.”