Quick read: The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has partnered with the UAE Office of Development Affairs and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in a $6 million deal to support 1,000 African entrepreneurs. The initiative provides business training, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed funding. Announced at the World Government Summit, the partnership strengthens Africa-UAE economic ties. Applications for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2025 are now open.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy supporting young entrepreneurs, has announced a $6 million strategic partnership with the UAE Office of Development Affairs and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation (an affiliate of Erth Zayed). This landmark agreement, revealed at the World Government Summit, will empower 1,000 additional African entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, access to networks, and $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.
The partnership was formalized with a signing ceremony featuring Tony O. Elumelu, TEF Founder, and His Excellency Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. This collaboration marks a major step toward strengthening economic and entrepreneurial ties between Africa and the UAE.
Why This $6 Million UAE Partnership Matters
Since its launch in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has played a crucial role in transforming Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Key achievements include:
- Training over 2.5 million entrepreneurs via its digital platform, TEFConnect.
- Disbursing over $100 million in direct funding to 21,000 businesses.
- Creating over 1.5 million jobs, lifting 2 million people out of poverty.
With this new $6 million investment from the UAE, the programme’s reach will expand further, providing essential business support and funding to 1,000 more African entrepreneurs.
The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has a strong legacy of supporting education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and enterprise development. By partnering with TEF, the foundation reinforces the UAE’s commitment to global economic development and youth empowerment, fostering a new era of cross-continental collaboration.
Tony Elumelu: “Entrepreneurship is the Key to Africa’s Future”
Speaking on the partnership, Tony Elumelu emphasized the importance of investing in African entrepreneurs as a strategic move toward sustainable development:
“Empowering entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic investment in Africa’s future. By providing the necessary access to capital, mentorship, and resources, we are unlocking the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, eradicating poverty, driving self-reliance, and paving the way for inclusive growth and prosperity on the continent.”
This partnership serves as a testament to the growing economic and diplomatic collaboration between Africa and the UAE, showcasing how global investments can drive meaningful change.
How to Apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2025
Applications for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2025 are now open, offering aspiring and existing African entrepreneurs the chance to receive training, mentorship, and $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a business idea or an existing business (not older than five years).
- Must be based in Africa.
- Must apply through TEFConnect, TEF’s digital entrepreneurship hub.
📅 Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
This $6 million UAE-backed initiative presents a transformative opportunity for African entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and drive economic growth across the continent.
If you or someone you know has an innovative business idea, now is the time to apply and take a bold step toward entrepreneurial success!
