Dr. Martha, the Co-Founder and Group Chairperson of United Africa Group
Nigeria has welcomed one of Africa’s foremost business leaders and philanthropists, Prof. Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, as the Namibian entrepreneur arrived in the country for a series of strategic engagements aimed at deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia.
Dr. Martha, the Co-Founder and Group Chairperson of United Africa Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests spanning hospitality, oil and gas, financial services, real estate, education and energy, was warmly received by renowned Pan-African media strategist and founder of Ayanda Media Network, Ayanda Ngwane, popularly known as “Yaya of Africa.”
Welcoming the distinguished business leader, Ngwane described Dr. Martha as “an amazing philanthropist and humble billionaire,” expressing gratitude for the confidence she has placed in Ayanda Media Network and the strategic partnership they are building over the years.
“Dr. Martha Tilahun, the most amazing philanthropist and humble billionaire, my mentor and my sister, welcome to Nigeria. Namibia’s titan of Hospitality and Oil & Gas has landed. Thank you for entrusting Ayanda Media Network with your vision and believing in the strategy we built together. It is always a privilege and a pleasure hosting this Amazon across the African continent as we continue to build the Africa We Want,” she said.
As part of her official engagements, Dr. Martha was accorded a distinguished welcome by the Presidency, where she participated in high-level discussions with senior officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The engagements were facilitated by the Head of Protocol to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, His Excellency Ibrahim, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, Mr. Sadiq Rabiu.
The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, capacity development and expanding collaboration between government institutions and the private sector.
Ayanda Ngwane played a pivotal coordinating role throughout the engagements, bringing together key stakeholders and advancing dialogue in line with the Africa We Want Agenda, which seeks greater economic integration and sustainable development across the continent.
Widely respected as one of Africa’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, Dr. Martha has built United Africa Group into one of Namibia’s leading business empires, overseeing more than 42 diversified subsidiaries. Beyond business, she has served in several influential leadership positions, including Member of Parliament in Namibia, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairperson of the SADC Chamber of Commerce, Director of Standard Bank Namibia, Chairperson of Protea Hotels Namibia, and Chairperson of the Pan African Youth Foundation.
Her commitment to social development has earned her equal recognition. Through the Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun Foundation, she has empowered young African women through entrepreneurship, education and mentorship while also supporting healthcare initiatives, including kidney disease awareness campaigns, free medical screenings and orthopedic surgeries for vulnerable communities.
A respected motivational speaker, Dr. Martha continues to inspire women across Africa with her philosophy: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Her outstanding contributions to business, humanitarian service and African development have earned her numerous international honours, including the African Woman of the Year Award (2023), Leaders Without Borders Global Excellence Award (2023), African Women of Excellence Award (2018), African Business Leader of the Year Award (2013), and Namibia’s prestigious Most Distinguished Order.
Both Nigerian and Namibian stakeholders expressed optimism that the visit will pave the way for structured trade partnerships, investment opportunities and stronger diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing prosperity and regional integration across Africa.
