Founder TEF, Tony Elumelu

Now in its fourth year, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum marked the graduation of the 2018 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme with 4,470 beneficiaries selected from the over 300,000 applications received and the unveiling of TEFConnect.

Delivering his opening remark at the Forum, Tony Elumelu reiterated his commitment to championing Africa’s economic development by supporting and training a new generation of entrepreneurs, whose successes can transform the continent, delivering opportunity, job creation and social impact.

“Our Foundation and its unique approach of training, mentoring and funding have proven that entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking economic transformation of our continent. I believe so strongly that success can be democratized and if we can match ambition to opportunities, this extraordinary generation can achieve anything,” said Tony Elumelu.

“With TEFConnect, we have created a tool that provides a digital platform to host ideas, champion success and demonstrates Africans ability to use the most advanced technologies to take charge of their economic destinies by connecting them digitally with three vital elements for success; capital, market and business tools.”

President Nana Akudo-Addo of Ghana underscored the importance of galvanizing the broad entrepreneurship eco-system and called on public sector representatives to encourage, support and replicate the work of the Tony Elumelu Foundation in their respective regions.

Speaking on the importance of putting the right policies in place, President Nana Akufo-Addo said, “Nothing is changed or developed on its own. People must get up, speak, have discussions and change the dialogue.”

Since its inception, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered African entrepreneurs across the continent with a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant, a bespoke training programme designed specifically for the African environment and access to a dedicated group of mentors, significantly contributing to economic growth, job creation and revenue generation

The Forum had key players in the private and public sector including Governors,  Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State;  Alhaji Mohammed Abdulahi Abubakar, of Bauchi State; Former President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nike Akande; Former Governor, Cross River State, Donald Duke and Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, among others in attendance.