The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)

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A picture of Tony Elumelu standing and smiling at the Tony Elumelu Foundation

In a groundbreaking move, the Harvard Business School is set to highlight the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) for its extraordinary philanthropic efforts. This unprecedented recognition comes in the form of a case study, the first of its kind on any philanthropic organization in Africa.

The case study will be launched on Thursday before a class of graduate students in Boston, Massachusetts. It aims to explore the unique approaches and transformative initiatives undertaken by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, showcasing how its strategic philanthropy has been driving positive change and uplifting countries and communities across Africa.

Harvard Business School Recognizes Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Philanthropic Achievement

Harvard’s acknowledgment of the Tony Elumelu Foundation emphasizes its pivotal role in empowering young African entrepreneurs throughout all 54 African countries. This recognition places the foundation at the forefront of global discussions on transformative and catalytic philanthropy, acknowledging its significant contributions to fostering entrepreneurship in Africa.

The event at Harvard Business School will delve into the foundation’s innovative approaches and highlight the impact it has generated over the years. It will also feature an exclusive acknowledgment of Tony Elumelu, the founder of TEF, and his economic philosophy of Africapitalism. This philosophy positions the private sector, particularly entrepreneurs, as catalysts for the social and economic development of the African continent.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Drives African Economic Transformation by Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs with Seed Capital, Training, and Mentorship

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization that empowers a new generation of African entrepreneurs so to achieve poverty eradication, catalyzing job creation, and increasing inclusive economic empowerment. Since the launch of its Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the foundation has trained over 1.5 million young Africans on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over USD$100 million in direct funding to 20,000 young African women and men. These entrepreneurs have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs.

A gray picture of Tony Elumelu, the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation sitting on a chair in his office

Tony Elumelu, the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), expressed his belief in the power of entrepreneurship to combat poverty, youth unemployment, and insecurity in Africa. He emphasized that the foundation’s interventions provide economic hope and opportunity for African entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary facilities like capital, training, and mentoring to establish successful businesses and create more jobs. Elumelu stressed the importance of leaving a positive legacy and making a lasting impact on African society.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation: a picture of scholars from the Harvard business school

The Harvard Business School session featuring the Tony Elumelu Foundation will serve as a platform for thought leaders, scholars, and business enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions about the role of philanthropy in shaping sustainable and inclusive economies. This recognition from Harvard further solidifies the foundation’s status as a key player in driving entrepreneurship and economic development across Africa.