The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is poised to announce its 2025 cohort for the prestigious TEF Entrepreneurship Program, setting the stage for another wave of transformative change across the African continent. With a relentless commitment to unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of African men and women, the foundation is shaping a future where local businesses can thrive, tackle regional challenges, and contribute to the overall economic progress of the continent.
The Vision Behind TEF’s Entrepreneurship Program
Since its inception in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has been at the forefront of driving entrepreneurship as a tool for economic growth in Africa. Through its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, TEF has made substantial strides in empowering thousands of entrepreneurs by offering them essential resources such as training, funding, mentorship, and global networking opportunities. The 2025 cohort will continue this legacy, reinforcing the foundation’s vision to shape the next generation of African business leaders who will spearhead innovation and lead the continent towards economic self-sufficiency.
Impact and Achievements of TEF to Date
TEF’s Entrepreneurship Programme is far from just a training program; it is a game-changer that has already made an immense impact on African economies. Over the years, the foundation has empowered more than 2.5 million young entrepreneurs through its online platform, TEFConnect, providing them with invaluable training, tools, and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Through its direct funding initiatives, TEF has invested over $100 million in African businesses, ensuring that these businesses have the resources to scale and create lasting impact.
A key highlight of the program’s success is its direct and indirect job creation. With more than 1.5 million jobs generated, TEF’s entrepreneurs are not only improving their own livelihoods but also contributing to the broader African economy. These entrepreneurs have generated over $4.2 billion in revenue, further underscoring the potential for sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship.
What’s New in the 2025 Cohort?
The 2025 cohort marks another milestone in TEF’s mission to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. With the new selection round, TEF will bring together entrepreneurs from across the 54 African countries to take part in a transformative journey. Participants will undergo rigorous training, receive seed capital, and be paired with world-class mentors who will guide them through their business development journey.
This cohort is set to provide even greater access to global networks, helping African entrepreneurs connect with potential partners, customers, and investors on an international scale. This emphasis on global exposure will ensure that entrepreneurs are not just operating within local boundaries but are equipped to lead businesses that can compete on the global stage.
The Foundation’s Holistic Approach to Entrepreneurship
What sets TEF apart from other entrepreneurial programs is its comprehensive, holistic approach to business development. The foundation’s support goes far beyond just funding. TEF offers an array of resources that include:
- Training: Entrepreneurs undergo structured, in-depth training that helps them enhance their business skills, from strategic planning to financial management.
- Mentorship: TEF pairs entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide guidance and advice, helping them navigate the challenges of building a business.
- Networking: Access to a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders is crucial for scaling businesses, and TEF ensures that participants can tap into this powerful resource.
- Funding: The program offers direct funding to selected entrepreneurs, giving them the capital needed to grow and expand their businesses.
This multi-faceted support structure ensures that participants are well-prepared to face the realities of entrepreneurship and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Africa’s Entrepreneurship Landscape: A Key to Sustainable Growth
TEF’s work is part of a broader movement across Africa that recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping the continent’s future. Entrepreneurship is a critical tool for addressing Africa’s challenges, such as unemployment and poverty. By empowering individuals to create their own businesses, TEF is enabling economic growth at the grassroots level, providing job opportunities, and driving innovation.
The 2025 cohort will be instrumental in continuing this work, as it nurtures the next generation of leaders who will tackle Africa’s most pressing issues. Whether it’s in agriculture, technology, education, or healthcare, the businesses that emerge from the TEF program are poised to create solutions that will improve lives across the continent.
Looking Ahead: A Self-Reliant Africa Powered by Entrepreneurship
As TEF announces its 2025 cohort, the foundation reaffirms its long-term vision for Africa—a self-reliant, prosperous continent where entrepreneurship is the key driver of economic and social change. With its track record of success and its innovative approach, TEF continues to prove that entrepreneurship can change Africa’s economic trajectory.
For entrepreneurs who are eager to make a difference, the 2025 cohort represents a unique opportunity to gain the resources, training, and support needed to build a sustainable business. As Africa continues to evolve, TEF will remain at the forefront, driving the entrepreneurial spirit that will propel the continent into a brighter, more self-sufficient future.
Conclusion
The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s 2025 cohort is set to take the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme to new heights, equipping entrepreneurs with everything they need to succeed. By providing access to mentorship, funding, training, and global networks, TEF is playing a crucial role in shaping Africa’s future business leaders. Through these entrepreneurs, Africa’s economic transformation is not just a vision; it’s a reality in the making.
As the 2025 cohort kicks off, the world will continue to watch with anticipation as TEF continues to redefine entrepreneurship across Africa and unlock the potential of millions of individuals to drive sustainable growth and change.