TEFConnect

The largest digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs.

[TEFConnect @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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

Please check the pitching centre closest to you and arrive on time, fully prepared to present your business.

Your idea got you here; now it’s time to pitch it.

#Aguka2026 #tef2026

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

Aguka 2026 Pitching Competition

Shortlisted participants, your pitching journey is here!

Physical pitch sessions will take place across all four provinces and Kigali from 9–10 June 2026.

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

The next phase of #TEF2026 is now live!

Check your email for pitch platform access, templates, and submission guidelines.

Best of luck with your Business Plan, Financials, and Pitch Video.

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

The 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme training phase has officially closed!

Congratulations to all entrepreneurs who completed this milestone.

Watch out for the next phase of the programme!

please check your mailbox for more updates!

[The Tony Elumelu Foundation @TonyElumeluFDN]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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: https://t.co/ieWL6cJ8s4 #TEF

[The Tony Elumelu Foundation @TonyElumeluFDN]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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!

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

#TEF2026 #EmpoweredByTEF

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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.

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

The IYBA WE4A Business Plan & Pitch Submission Portal is OPEN!

Deadline: 19 May 2026 | 11:59 pm WAT

#IYBAWE4A #Entrepreneurship

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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 - https://t.co/lqskxQXK9R

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

@Ab11511Abel This information is for the IYBA WE4A programme only

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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

[TEFConnect @TefConnect]

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.