TEFConnect

From seed capital to systemic change, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is catalysing Africa’s transformation. Each entrepreneur we empower is a spark of prosperity proof that when you bet on African entrepreneurs, you invest in the future of the continent. #tefimpact

Last week, TEF CEO, Somachi Chris-Asoluka hosted our partner, Bernd Tilemann, Regional Director, @deginvest_DE. During the meeting, we committed to the deepening of our existing partnership to empower even more young African entrepreneurs. In 2021, and again in 2025, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (@deginvest_DE), the German development financial institution dedicated to supporting the private sector in emerging-market countries, partnered with the Tony Elumelu Foundation to empower an additional 400 entrepreneurs across Africa. Notably, 70% of these entrepreneurs are women, and 96% are between the ages of 18 and 30. The partnership has yielded significant positive outcomes for entrepreneurs. The results speak for themselves: ✅ Supported businesses recorded a 165% increase in jobs created 📈 14% of beneficiaries have gone on to access additional business funding opportunities—largely attributed to the programme’s support in positioning them for growth. 💰 78.37% of beneficiaries have improved their profitability as a result of the TEF-DEG partnership. 💰 83% of beneficiaries reporting an increase in income. 💰 100% of beneficiaries reported overall improvement in their businesses as a result of the TEF-DEG partnership. #EmpoweredByTEF #TEFImpact #TEF2026

A new week. A new opportunity to lead with clarity, execute with discipline, and build with courage. Africa needs bold entrepreneurs willing to show up authentically and do the work. #tef2026

Huge congrats to our Founders, @TonyOElumelu and Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, for being named to the 2026 #TIME100 Philanthropy list! To our 27,000+ entrepreneurs: this global honor belongs to you. Let’s keep driving Africa’s prosperity. Read more: time.com/collection/tim… #TEF

We are proud to celebrate our Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, (@TonyOElumelu) and Co-Founder, Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, OFR, on being named among the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 honourees by @TIME Magazine. This prestigious recognition reflects the transformative impact of entrepreneurship-led development across Africa and the growing global relevance of Africapitalism — the belief that Africa’s private sector, especially its young entrepreneurs, must lead the continent’s economic and social transformation. Since 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has: ✔ Empowered over 2.5 million young Africans though access to training on @TefConnect ✔ Disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to 27,000+ entrepreneurs ✔ Helped create 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs ✔ Lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line ✔ Positively impacted over 4 million households across the continent

Master the mechanics of money, markets, and growth. Join the 2026 #TEFAlumni Masterclass with @NGXGroup X-Academy to explore Capital Market investing with the experts. 🗓 Wed, May 13 ⏰ 1PM (WAT) 📍 YouTube Live Set your reminder!

Her journey is proof of what happens when entrepreneurs get the right support. 💼 #TEF2026 #EmpoweredByTEF

Meet Amy Yomekpe, 2016 #TEFAlumni from Ghana and founder of MOD HQ Ltd. Through the TEF programme, Amy transformed her vision into a thriving fashion business blending quality, culture, and modern African style.

The April edition of #TEFcircle is live! With our 2025 Annual Report, the Tony Elumelu Foundation moves beyond advocacy into evidence—proving, at scale, that entrepreneurship is Africa’s most powerful engine for transformation. Read now - TEFCIRCLE_April_2026.pdf

New week. New decisions. New opportunities to do things differently. As our founder @TonyOElumelu reminds us, we cannot do things the same way and expect different results. Lead with conviction, build trust, remove roadblocks, and execute without excuses. #MondayMotivation

@twagirumukiza_ Please confirm you are a 2026 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur .

@TefConnect Why does this application not appear on my dashboard?

The IYBA WE4A Business Plan & Pitch Submission Portal is OPEN! Deadline: 19 May 2026 | 11:59 pm WAT #IYBAWE4A #Entrepreneurship

Emmanuel Hakuzimana, 2023 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur and CEO of Vitaway Health Ltd, is helping tackle non-communicable diseases in Rwanda through nutrition, lifestyle change, and preventive care. #TEF2026 #EmpoweredByTEF

Africa’s youth are not a future opportunity—they are an economic force already at work. Building enterprises, creating jobs, driving innovation. This is no longer about potential, but proven impact. Read more - linkedin.com/pulse/africas-…

@Ab11511Abel This information is for the IYBA WE4A programme only

@TefConnect Is it same for AGUKA programme?

Note: * Submission does not guarantee progression to the next stage * Approximately 20% of applicants will be selected for seed capital funding * Final selections will ensure regional and sectoral representation across participating countries

Failure to submit all required documents by the deadline will lead to disqualification from funding and programme participation. Once your pitch video uploads successfully, an on‑screen confirmation will appear—no further action is needed.

Success isn’t magic—it’s mastered. Hard work. Discipline. Sacrifice. Tenacity. Do today what builds a better tomorrow. #tef2026 #empoweredbytef

Full completion of the assigned modules is an essential criterion for eligibility to progress to the next phase of the programme. #tef2026 #africapitalism

Important Reminder to 2026 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs! The deadline to complete all required training is 31 May. Please ensure you have concluded all assigned trainings as well as assessments.