Port Harcourt — Entrepreneurial strategist and Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has called on the African Union (AU) to develop strategic frameworks for identifying and supporting authentic entrepreneurs and high-performing brands across the continent.
Speaking during a weekend event where he was honoured among Africa’s 100 brand personalities—alongside industry giants like Aliko Dangote and Seyi Tinubu—China stressed that such initiatives would stimulate innovation, generate employment, and position African enterprises for global competitiveness.
He criticized the AU and other regional bodies for lacking clear systems to spotlight and nurture entrepreneurial excellence on the continent.
“There is no mechanism to dig deep and recognize those adding real value. This gap reduces the impact and competitiveness of African brands,” he said.
Reflecting on his recognition, China described the honour as both rewarding and challenging. “To be discovered at the continental level after operating locally in Port Harcourt gives me a double feeling—of being seen and now being challenged to deliver continental and global value,” he remarked.
He highlighted his flagship project, the Alesa Highlands Sustainable Green Smart City, which he said would transition his brand from perception to tangible experience. “Our aim is to ensure that our brand experience surpasses our brand perception,” he noted.
China also used the platform to draw urgent attention to Africa’s worsening housing crisis, calling for a declaration of a state of emergency in the sector. He said the continent’s 42 million housing deficit, with Nigeria contributing a significant portion, must be addressed through sustainable solutions.
“The crisis deepened when Africa abandoned indigenous building systems in favour of imported, monetised materials. In the past, local materials ensured nobody in our villages was homeless. Now, homelessness is rising alarmingly,” he lamented.
China reaffirmed his commitment to bridging the housing gap through practical, collaborative models tailored to African needs.
