Tony Elumelu has asked young African entrepreneurs to apply for the 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme.
Elumelu reflected on his early career, revealing how he overcame obstacles through determination and hard work to build a thriving business empire.
In a thread message on X, he noted that his determination led him to his first job in banking, a stepping stone that shaped his career trajectory.
His words: “I started my career as a 2:2 graduate applying for a job I was not “qualified” for. What I lacked on paper, I made up for with confidence, ambition, and an unwavering readiness to learn.
That daring application led to my first job in banking—a role that shaped the path I walk today. This was the genesis of @Heirs_Holdings, the @TonyElumeluFD, and my commitment to #Africapitalism: the belief that African entrepreneurship is the key to the continent’s transformation.”
Reflecting on his journey, Elumelu emphasised the lessons learnt from failure: “Over the course of my career, I have faced failures and setbacks—moments when things did not go as planned. But those experiences taught me resilience, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the value of grit; principles that would later shape my approach to entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
“Now, I know that failures are not the end; they are stepping stones to greater success.
“This is what inspired my wife and I to invest in the next generation of African entrepreneurs. In 2015, we committed $100million to identify, train and fund the businesses of African entrepreneurs over 10 years. Today, we have granted 2.5 million Africans with access to training on @TefConnect and lifted over 2 million individuals out of poverty.
Encouraging African youth to take action, Tony Elumelu called on aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for the 2025 Entrepreneurship Programme.
“We have also disbursed more than $100 million in direct funding to over 21,000 beneficiaries, who have created 1.5 million jobs, and generated $4.2 billion in revenue across the continent.
“We want to do more. Today, we are witnessing a wave of African entrepreneurs whose ideas have the power to reshape our continent.
Their passion, vision, and resilience are exactly what Africa needs to drive its transformation. They are the bold thinkers and doers who will shape the future of Africa’s economy and society.
To all aspiring young African entrepreneurs, if you have an idea—no matter how small or big—don’t let self-doubt stop you. Take that first step. Apply to the @TonyElumeluFDN Entrepreneurship Programme at http://TEFConnect.com. Your journey to reinvention and success could start today.”
Application period: January 1, 2025–March 1, 2025.
