On January 1, 2017, The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) will begin accepting applications for the third round of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. The Programme is the Foundation’s 10-year, $100 million commitment to training, mentoring and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs.
The application portal will be open until midnight (WAT), March 1, 2017. Entrepreneurs must
TEF Founder, Tony O. Elumelu in a statement said: “I believe the seeds we are planting through the Programme will transform Africa. Two years on, it is clear that we have found a key to unlocking Africa’s potential for economic transformation. As ourentrepreneurs grow their own businesses and realise theirambitions, so too does the vision. We are showing what the African private sector can achieve; how hard work and enterprise can catalyze real, sustainable development.”
The Programme is designed to identify entrepreneurs that have the potential to grow their businesses and collectively generate 1,000,000 new jobs, that can contribute at least $10 billion in additional revenues to the African economy.
According to TEF Chief Executive Officer, Parminder Vir OBE, “This programme continues to surpass our expectations and its success is palpable. Your entrepreneurial journey begins when you make the decision to complete the application. We are seeking real entrepreneurs, people who can take risk and reap rewards, not just for themselves, but their communities and countries.”
The statement explained that success of 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs reflects the impact of the Programme, including:
1. Momar Mass-Taal (
2. Bukhary Kibonajoro (
3. Chioma Okonu (Waste Management, Nigeria) Has created ancillary revenue streams for more than 6,000 households, created 40 jobs and generates over $50,000 in profit.
To be eligible to apply:
1. Businesses must be based in Africa
2. Businesses must be for profit
3. Applicants must be 18 years of age and above
4. Applicants must be a legal resident or citizen of African countries
