Too often great Ideas do not have the impact they deserve because they lack scale sustainability, that’s why the Tony Elumelu Foundation is so important, the seed capital they provide is a vital investment in getting new ideas off the ground.

There is extra ordinary energy and enthusiasm represented by the TEF Entrepreneurs, represented by the youth of Africa, I would love to see the same energy and dynamism in the govt of Africa to open up the system for this people.

As I prepared for this event, I encountered a few of the very many stories of businesses, lives transformed by the TEF, and its various initiatives. ...and even all of those thousands of inspirational TEEP stories are themselves a representation, just a fraction of what is out there across the continent.

Quickly let me also thank the Foundation, Tony Elumelu and those who make it what it is. It speaks to the solutions we are trying to find for the many problem we have in our continent. That is why we have come here to encourage you and maybe through that encourage other African leaders, business leaders and others to try and do things same way or do things together. More importantly, to make our continent move forward.

I am proud that Nigeria (and a Nigerian) is taking the lead in this effort to promote self-worth, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, build and promote networks for intra-African trade, business collaboration and investment. Our Administration is committed to unlocking all such opportunities to restore dignity to our people. This programme is one example I hope others will emulate and I commend Tony Elumelu and his Foundation for their endeavor and leadership in this area.

As U.S. Secretary of Commerce, I know how entrepreneurs drive economic growth around the world. I am pleased to see Tony Elumelu investing in entrepreneurs through The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme across Africa to work towards fostering communities of innovation.

TEF’s approach to entrepreneurship development is a genuinely innovative approach to philanthropy in Africa – an African offering African solutions. What is unique about this programme is that it not only provides a platform for entrepreneurs to build connections, but they are also being taught how to build their businesses in a sustainable way. Other philanthropists will be inspired to support and promote this philosophy.

The Tony Elumelu foundation entrepreneurship programme will certainly foster entrepreneurial development across Africa, providing the much-needed funds, training and mentorship of commercial enterprises that promote social and economic change, support growing African businesses through dynamic programmes that provide capital and human resources to budding entrepreneurs.

“I salute this programme because it is going touch on mindset change of our young people to look at Africa as their home as their continent and there for this programme is promoting Pan-Africanism.”

Let me use the opportunity to thank my dear brother Tony Elumelu, he’s done a fantastic job to put all this together, he has faith in confidence in the youth of Africa and that’s fantastic.