John Enelamah

**Okechukwu Enelamah (John)** is a Nigerian politician, chartered accountant, and business executive, best known for serving as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019 under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.Early Life and Education Okechukwu Enelamah was born on May 17, 1965. He is a native of Abia State, Nigeria. He completed his foundational education in Nigeria before pursuing higher studies. Enelamah is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Medicine. Despite his medical background, he transitioned early in his career to finance and business. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Harvard Business School in the United States, specializing in finance. He is also a chartered accountant.Career Progression Enelamah began his professional career in the financial sector. He worked with Arthur Andersen (now KPMG) and subsequently with Goldman Sachs in London and New York, where he gained extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, privatization, and corporate finance. In 1999, he co-founded African Capital Alliance (ACA), one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous private equity firms. As the Chief Executive Officer of ACA, he played a crucial role in mobilizing and managing institutional investment capital across various sectors of the Nigerian and West African economies, including telecommunications, financial services, and energy. His work at ACA established him as a key figure in the private investment landscape of Africa.Political Career and Major Achievements In November 2015, Enelamah was appointed as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve Nigeria's business climate and attract foreign direct investment. A major achievement during his term was the initiation and implementation of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business reforms. He oversaw the establishment of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), chaired by the Vice President, which significantly improved Nigeria’s ranking in the World Bank’s *Ease of Doing Business Report*. These reforms focused on areas like starting a business, getting credit, and dealing with construction permits. Enelamah was also instrumental in the government’s efforts to establish Special Economic Zones and strengthen intellectual property rights to promote local manufacturing and global trade competitiveness. He was heavily involved in negotiating and signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), aimed at boosting intra-African trade.Notable Works and Current Status Beyond his roles in finance and government, Dr. Enelamah is also known for his philanthropic endeavors and Christian ministry, serving as a pastor at a local church. After the end of his ministerial term in 2019, he returned to the private sector and resumed his duties within the financial investment community. He continues to be an influential voice in Nigerian economic policy, advocating for sustainable economic growth driven by private sector investment and regulatory reform.