Elumelu to empower 3,200 African entrepreneurs

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu is marking his birthday on March 22 by empowering 3,200 young entrepreneurs across Africa through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

In a post on X, Elumelu shared, “Tomorrow, I mark my birthday. But more importantly, 3,200 entrepreneurs across Africa will be empowered—advancing shared prosperity and building Africa together. Creating opportunities for our youth remains the true celebration.”

The selected participants in TEF’s 2026 program will each receive $5,000 in seed capital, along with comprehensive training and mentorship to drive economic growth continent-wide.

Since launching in 2015, TEF has supported over 18,000 entrepreneurs in 54 African countries, disbursing $170 million in funding and generating more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, per the foundation’s 2022 impact report.