The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is driving a new wave of entrepreneurship across Africa, equipping ambitious men and women with the resources to tackle challenges, create wealth, and transform their communities. With the 2025 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs now launched, the foundation reaffirms its commitment to fostering a generation of business leaders who will shape industries, drive innovation, and redefine Africa’s economic landscape.
Since the inception of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, TEF has lifted over two million Africans out of poverty, providing 2.5 million young entrepreneurs with training through TEFConnect while disbursing more than $100 million in direct funding. These investments have translated into over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs, generating more than $4.2 billion in revenue. Across all 54 African countries, TEF continues to break barriers, proving that entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking sustainable economic growth.
Beyond funding, the foundation’s support extends to mentorship, training, and access to global networks, ensuring that African entrepreneurs are not only creating businesses but also leading the charge in economic transformation. With each new cohort, TEF strengthens its mission to build a self-reliant Africa where entrepreneurship is the driving force behind prosperity.
