Biography
HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos
Early Beginnings
From a young age, His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos
demonstrated an extraordinary aptitude for leadership and enterprise. At just sixteen, he founded his first manufacturing company, laying the foundation for a remarkable journey in global business and finance. Guided by a keen intellect and visionary spirit, he has since emerged as one of Africa’s most influential business figures, and the Founder and Chairman of the African Royal Group of Companies, a multimillion-dollar conglomerate that began with a focus on import, export, and manufacturing. Under his dynamic leadership, the Group has grown into a diversified empire encompassing defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, infrastructure, finance, aviation, and technology. Through his entrepreneurial excellence and strategic foresight, Prince Estifanos has secured his place among Africa’s most dynamic and transformative business leaders, inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of African innovation and enterprise.
Champion of African Unity and Progress
As President of the United Africa Royal Assembly, His Imperial Highness stands at the forefront of a historic movement to unify the continent’s traditional leadership and strengthen Africa’s collective voice on the world stage. Guided by the principle of “African Solutions to African Problems”, he works hand in hand with Heads of State, governments, and public–private partners to advance human capital development and drive industrial transformation through sustainable manufacturing and value addition.
In recognition of his vision and dedication, Prince Estifanos was appointed in2023 as Goodwill Ambassador for Governance and Traditional Affairs to the Pan-African Parliament, a role that reflects his enduring commitment to
peace, progress, and the integration of Africa’s cultural and traditional institutions into its development agenda.
Global Recognition and Philanthropy
Through The Royals Foundation, His Imperial Highness extends his compassion and leadership beyond the boardroom, championing initiatives in child and maternal healthcare, nutrition, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding. His efforts include humanitarian interventions supporting conflict prevention and crisis response across Africa.
Prince Estifanos’s philanthropy and service have earned wide acclaim. In 2019, he was recognized as the Youngest African Diplomat and listed among the 50 Most Reputable African Business Leaders. A year earlier, in 2018, he was honored as an Ambassador of Peace for Africa, later ranking among the Top 10 Young African Business Leaders, distinctions that affirm his unwavering commitment to humanity and to Africa’s renaissance.
In recognition of his vision and dedication, Prince Estifanos was appointed in 2023 as Goodwill Ambassador for Governance and Traditional Affairs to the Pan-African Parliament, a role that reflects his enduring commitment to peace, progress, and the integration of Africa’s cultural and traditional institutions into its development agenda.
Strategic Leadership in Africa's Economic Growth
Beyond his royal and diplomatic engagements, Prince Estifanos is esteemed for his expertise in economic development, investment strategy, and military defence policy. His collaborations with both current and former African Heads of State have been instrumental in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent. As a strategic advisor and advocate for peacekeeping missions, he continues to champion economic diplomacy and sustainable partnerships that strengthen Africa’s role in global affairs.
A humble cultural ambassador
Despite his many achievements, His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos
Matewos remains deeply rooted in humility and faith. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a proud son of Ethiopia, he embodies the values of compassion, service, and integrity. As a cultural ambassador, he celebrates Africa’s rich heritage and timeless traditions, sharing with the world the spiritual depth, dignity, and resilience of its people. Grounded in his Amhara heritage and inspired by his divine lineage, Prince Estifanos continues to serve with grace, wisdom, and purpose, a leader devoted to the unity, dignity, and future of Africa.
