By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
ABOUT US$24.75 million has been disbursed to 5000 African entrepreneurs, including some from Zambia, under the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), demonstrating its mission to catalyse economic growth on the continent.
The Foundation in 2021 received 406,257 applications from all 54 African countries and provided training to 206,550, which was more than 50 per cent of applicants.
This is according to a personal note from the Tony Elumelu Foundation founder, Tony Elumelu.
Mr Elumelu indicated that the entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries can now apply for the opportunity of a lifetime to receive US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital.
“Indeed, we are committed to your future. I am invested in your success. Your success is our success.
“This is why on this first day of 2022; we are opening the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme Application portal on tefconnect.net,” he said.
Mr Elumelu said he was a product of luck and hard work, stating that these factors are inextricable if one had to succeed.
“If you wonder how you can achieve your goals, as I have said earlier, know that the first step is to be disciplined. Choose discipline as your daily practice. Nurture the mind set of longevity in all areas of your thinking.
“Embrace challenges; there is no success without sacrifices. Whether it is in your business, personal life or relationships, a new year is a clean slate. It is a chance to set goals, commit to them, and prepare your mind for the discipline that is required for growth and success,” Mr Elumelu indicated.
He indicated that for many young people, beginning can be scary and uncertain, charged with many decisions to make and ambitions to fulfil. Mr Elumelu said it was important for entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme to drive change in their lives and local community.
“As we usher in the third year of living through a Covid-19 pandemic, do not lose hope. Entrepreneurship is years of hard work, long hours, and unquantifiable sacrifices. Your capacity to thrive and remain committed despite temporary setbacks will have significant impact in realising your dreams,” he stated.
