Tony Elumelu Foundation Shortlists 5,240 African Entrepreneurs from over 81,000 Applicants for the First Stage of the TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme
UBA Foundation to Host Business Pitching Competition in November to Select Final 2,100 Beneficiaries
Signing the TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme in Niger—Tony Elumelu, Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation and Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa
Kicking off the partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower 100,000 young African entrepreneurs, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has announced the selection of 5,240 young African entrepreneurs, from over 81,000 applications received from seven Sahel countries, to receive business training in the next stage of the inaugural TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme. The Programme received 43% of submissions from rural areas and 57% from urban areas, 30% of submissions from female business owners and 70% from male business owners.
Following the business training, the chosen applicants will participate in a pitching competition organised by the Programme’s partner, the UBA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the United Bank for Africa, with a final selection of 2,100 applicants to be announced on December 15. The final beneficiaries will join the current 7,531 TEF alumni network, gain access to TEF’s networks, digital platform and receive non-refundable seed capital based on their business needs.
In July, Tony Elumelu Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme announced the TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme at the African Union (AU) Summit in Niamey, Niger. The partnership will empower 100,000 African entrepreneurs, over a 10-year period, using the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s unique approach of identifying, training, mentoring and funding young African entrepreneurs most likely to create impact. The first year of the Programme targets Sahel countries, while promoting gender inclusion and post-conflict economic growth, in Nigeria, Niger, Mauritania, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso and Cameroon. TEF’s empowering approach delivers capacity-building skills, job creation and breaks the cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity, that so often fuels political instability and migration.
The business training will span a four-week period, delivered through TEFConnect, the Foundation’s digital knowledge and networking platform, as well as in select physical locations, targeting specifically microbusiness owners in rural locations.
Dear Friend,What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur? This week, we delve into real life, practical stories of triumph and tips to arm yourself with on the entrepreneurial journey, beginning with that of our Founder.
Entrepreneurship is a mindset, an attitude and a long-term journey – one that creates change.
This week, we share some of these lessons with you.
“The Entrepreneurship Journey Entails Hard work, Discipline and Sacrifice”, Elumelu Says to Cape Verdean Entrepreneurs
Tony O. Elumelu, Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) with H.E. José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde and Carlos do Canto Monteiro, Deputy Minister for Youth of Cabo Verde at the Youth Konnect Forum in Cabo Verde on October 17, 2019.
Speaking at the Youth Konnekt Forum in Cape Verde yesterday, African investor and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), charged entrepreneurs to embrace hard work, discipline and sacrifice on their entrepreneurial journey to success.
For the full story, click on the links: English| Portuguese
Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Discusses Job Creation and Economic Transformation in Washington DC
Earlier this week, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu met with key stakeholders in two separate meetings in Washington D.C, USA to discuss opportunities for job creation and economic transformation on panels themed “Tackling Barriers to Women-Owned Businesses: Going further Together” and “The Human Capital Project Ministers and Champions Conclave”.
Tony Elumelu Foundation & National Ministry of Youth Host Entrepreneurs at the National Youth Forum in Mindelo, Cape Verde
On Wednesday this week at the National Youth Forum in Mindelo, Cape Verde, the Tony Elumelu Foundation met with young Cape Verdean entrepreneurs and TEF alumni. During this event, the TEF alumni shared their experiences and business insights they received during the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.
www.video.i.ng Watch Tony Elumelu Speak to Cape Verdean Entrepreneurs
Watch Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation charge entrepreneurs in Cape Verde to embrace hard work, discipline and sacrifice on their entrepreneurial journey to success.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Shortlists 5,240 African Entrepreneurs from over 81,000 Applicants for the First Stage of the TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme
Kicking off the partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower 100,000 young African entrepreneurs, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has announced the selection of 5,240 young African entrepreneurs, from over 81,000 applications received from seven Sahel countries, to receive business training in the next stage of the inaugural TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme.
What’s Next on the TEF – UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme?
Last week, we announced the pre-selected applicants of the TEF-UNDP Programme. We have prepared responses to your “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) for additional clarification.
“Entrepreneurship is a long-term journey. There is no quick fix. You will make mistakes. You will have challenges. For you to succeed along this journey, you must be disciplined, make sacrifices and save today to achieve your goals.”- Tony Elumelu
TEF Alumni Stories
I am Jiraji Kelvin Tersoo, a Farmer, Software Developer and TEF Alumnus
“TEF has opened up doors of opportunity for me, beyond the seed capital I used to start my business. It has placed on me the responsibility of becoming an enabler of people (a solution provider).”
Click here to read about Jiraji Kelvin Tersoo, #TEFAlumni and Founder of Agritech Hub, who left his banking job to build a bridge between the tech ecosystem and agriculture in Nigeria.
What’s Hot on Social Media This Week?
Monday is not another day of the week. It’s the start of a new week and new opportunities. Our Founder’s wisdom nuggets to help you become Unstoppable on your long jouney through entrepreneurship was the talk of the week.
