Empowering African entrepreneurs to transform the continent.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is a leading philanthropic organization in Africa, committed to empowering entrepreneurs across the continent. Established in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu, the foundation aims to drive Africa’s economic development by enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through its flagship program, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, the foundation provides training, mentorship, and seed capital to thousands of African entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, TEF operates with a vision to unlock the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs, creating jobs and generating wealth. The foundation’s initiatives are designed to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including access to finance, business development, and market expansion. By leveraging partnerships with governments, private sector organizations, and development institutions, TEF seeks to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship to thrive across the continent.
TEF operates across all 54 African countries, with a strong focus on regions with high entrepreneurial potential and need for economic development.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is the foundation’s flagship initiative, offering a 12-week training program, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed capital to selected entrepreneurs. The foundation also engages in advocacy and research to influence policy and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Since its inception, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 15,000 entrepreneurs, creating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to economic growth across Africa. The foundation’s impact is measured in terms of business growth, job creation, and the fostering of an entrepreneurial mindset among African youth.
