Simon El-Longwell: Championing Sustainable Growth Across Africa Through ELS Group

NATIONWIDE - NOVEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) Simon El-Longwell’s journey is one of transformation, where ambition and purpose intersect. Though initially trained as a medical professional, El-Longwell’s path has taken him far beyond the realm of healthcare. Today, he is the Founder and Group CEO of ELS GROUP, a dynamic holding company based in Ghana. The company spans multiple sectors, from machinery and engineering to automotive and global mobility services, with subsidiaries like Theorems Machinery & Technical Services Ltd, ELS Motors, and El-Simon Travel & Logistics. Under his leadership, ELS GROUP has become a beacon of innovation and sustainable development, driving change across industries and communities.

A Visionary Path Rooted in Purpose

El-Longwell’s story begins in humble circumstances, where the values of hard work and dedication were instilled early on. As a young professional, his early career saw him stepping into the world of sales and business development. The medical degree he earned may have been his first step toward leadership, but his passion for solving problems and empowering others quickly turned his focus toward entrepreneurship.

By founding ELS GROUP, El-Longwell sought to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa, challenges that intersect across industries, economies, and communities. His goal was clear: to create businesses that would not only thrive in a competitive landscape but also contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development and prosperity.

Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation

Building a business empire from the ground up is no small feat. For El-Longwell, the journey was paved with obstacles that tested his resolve. The intricacies of navigating diverse industries, managing multiple subsidiaries, and aligning them with his broader vision of sustainable development were just some of the hurdles he faced. Yet, it was during these challenges that his leadership abilities shone through.

A key turning point for El-Longwell came when he realized that business success cannot be measured by profit alone. True success, he believed, would come from creating lasting impact and fostering long-term growth. This philosophy laid the groundwork for ELS GROUP’s unique approach and integration of innovation, social responsibility, and economic growth.

With this purpose-driven model, El-Longwell’s businesses not only flourished but also became forces for positive change. For example, ELS Motors has revolutionized the automotive sector by providing high-quality, accessible vehicles for consumers, while Afrivance, a non-profit organization he founded, actively works toward Africa’s sustainable progress through partnerships and collaboration.

A Global Entrepreneur With Local Insight

What truly sets Simon El-Longwell apart from his competitors is his exceptional ability to merge deep local insight with a strategic global perspective. Over the course of his career, Simon has actively participated in more than 50 international forums and high-level engagements in trade, business, leadership, climate action, and global development. 

This global exposure has enabled him to build robust partnerships and investment networks across North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and various regions across Africa—connections that many industry leaders may not have access to. It is this expansive international ecosystem, combined with his authentic understanding of African markets, that empowers ELS GROUP to scale beyond borders, unlock new opportunities, and deliver solutions to challenges at a continental and global level.

His commitment to Africa’s future is reflected in the partnerships and projects El-Longwell has championed, from climate action initiatives to youth empowerment programs. These initiatives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, demonstrating a strategic alignment with the broader development agenda of the continent.

A Legacy Built on Leadership and Impact

El-Longwell’s leadership is driven by a clear mission to inspire the next generation of African leaders. Through his work with ELS GROUP, Afrivance, and numerous international organizations, he is fostering a new wave of entrepreneurship and innovation that aims to address Africa’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. Whether advocating for youth development, climate action, or global development, El-Longwell’s approach is grounded in a commitment to creating businesses that have a lasting and positive impact.

He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and development, including recognition from organizations like the World EXIM Banks, AFREXIMBANK, The ITC, UNIDO, and AfCFTA. His leadership has also earned him five Honorary Doctorate nominations, further solidifying his place as a respected thought leader and development champion. Additionally, Simon El-Longwell was recently honored as the “Best Entrepreneur in Ghana of 2025” by Best of Best Review, a prestigious and exclusive authority in the industry. This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to business and development in Ghana, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

For more information on this esteemed award, visit the official announcement on Best of Best Review.

A Unique Blend of Innovation and Social Impact

In a world where businesses often prioritize profit above all else, Simon El-Longwell’s approach is refreshingly different. ELS GROUP’s success is built on a foundation of purpose-driven leadership. While the company thrives in various sectors, its core mission remains steadfast creating sustainable businesses that solve real-world problems and uplift communities.

El-Longwell’s vision goes beyond mere business success. He believes in the power of collaboration, innovation, and responsible leadership to drive change. This philosophy is at the heart of Afrivance, the non-profit organization he founded, which aims to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments toward shared development goals.

In addition to his business ventures, El-Longwell continues to lead advocacy efforts for climate change, sustainable development, and youth empowerment. As a UN & Commonwealth Youth Diplomat and Climate Advocate, he is on the front lines of global efforts to address pressing environmental issues and ensure that the voices of Africa’s youth are heard in shaping the future of the continent.

The Future of ELS Group: Leading With Purpose

Looking ahead, El-Longwell’s commitment to growth, innovation, and development remains unwavering. As ELS GROUP continues to expand its footprint across industries, El-Longwell remains focused on the long-term goal: to create businesses that serve as catalysts for positive change.

His leadership philosophy is simple: solve problems, create lasting value, and leave a legacy that future generations can build upon. Through ELS GROUP and Afrivance, El-Longwell is proving that business success and social impact are not mutually exclusive; they are, in fact, interdependent.

For those interested in learning more about Simon El-Longwell’s vision, leadership, and the impactful work of ELS GROUP, visit the company’s official website and connect with Simon through his LinkedIn.

Ready to Learn More?

Discover how Simon El-Longwell is shaping Africa’s future with innovative businesses and purpose-driven leadership. Visit ELS Group to explore how they’re driving change across industries, communities, and nations. Join the movement of transformation today.