In 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was founded with a dream: empower Africa’s youth, drive economic growth, and combat poverty. Tony Elumelu, the visionary behind TEF and a renowned economist and philanthropist, knew the journey wouldn’t be easy. Yet, his determination remained steadfast.
13 years later, TEF has evolved into a beacon for African entrepreneurship, earning international praise.
Recently, at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, TEF partnered with global entities like UNDP, UNICEF, and the IKEA Foundation, focusing on a brighter entrepreneurial future for Africa’s youth.
Tony Elumelu, also the force behind Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, envisioned TEF as an inclusive engine for growth. Under its umbrella, over a million African youths have been positively impacted.
The 2015 launch of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, backed by an impressive $100 million, was a significant milestone. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria commended this monumental commitment.
At the same event, Elumelu remarked that their $100 million initiative, while significant, is just a start. “Africa’s challenges, including climate change and youth migration, need collective action,” he expressed.
TEF’s success isn’t just Tony Elumelu’s vision. Collaborations with giants like the European Union, Google, African Development Bank, and more have fortified its mission.
UNDP’s Ahunna Eziakonwa echoed TEF’s sentiments, stressing the urgency to invest in Africa’s youth.
Recently, TEF released “The Tony Elumelu Foundation Impact Report: A Decade of Impact.” This illuminates how Elumelu’s commitment has been a game-changer for Africa, training 1.5 million entrepreneurs and creating 400,000 jobs.
In essence, TEF’s journey symbolizes the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration. With global allies by its side, TEF paints a hopeful picture of Africa’s future.
