Alumni Weekly Newsletter – September 28, 2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation marks 15 years of impact at UNGA81, the IYBA WE4A verification tour reaches its final stop in Uganda after crossing eight countries, and we spotlight an alumna using technology to make financial management easier for small businesses.
15 Years of Impact. Thousands of Stories. One Bigger Vision.
Fifteen years ago, the goal was simple: give African entrepreneurs the opportunity to build.
Since then, thousands of entrepreneurs have turned that opportunity into businesses, jobs, products, and solutions for their communities.
Last week, The Tony Elumelu Foundation launched its 15 Year Impact Report on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, bringing together Foundation leadership, partners, and members of the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem to reflect on 15 years of African entrepreneurship and impact.
And, of course, our Alumni were part of the story. Behind every number in an impact report is a person who started somewhere, a business that began with an idea, and a Founder who decided to try.
That is 15 years of impact. And we are still building.
Two Masterclasses with Two Global Organisations in One Week.
This week, we’re bringing you two expert-led masterclasses!
In collaboration with Deloitte and Google, we have organised these masterclasses designed to equip you with practical strategies to grow, scale, and market your business more effectively.
Whether you’re looking to replicate a successful business model or discover how AI can transform your marketing, these are two sessions you won’t want to miss!
Masterclass 1: Deloitte | Franchising & Replicating Your Model
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 1 PM WAT
This will be going live on YOUTUBE so set your reminders.
Discover practical approaches to franchising, replicating your business model, and building for sustainable growth.
Masterclass 2: Google | Practical AI for Marketing
Friday, 2 October 2026 | 10 AM WAT
Learn how to put AI to work in your marketing and explore practical ways to reach customers and market your business smarter.
Registered for the Google masterclass? Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll be sharing more details about the session with registered participants via email.
Come ready to learn, engage, ask questions, and take practical insights back to your business.
The IYBA WE4A Physical Verification Exercise: Final Stop, Uganda
It’s been a long road.
The IYBA WE4A Physical Verification Exercise has taken us across eight countries: Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, Cameroon, Togo, and now Uganda. Eight countries. Countless conversations. Women led businesses creating green and sustainable solutions in their communities.
The IYBA WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme supports women entrepreneurs across eight Sub Saharan African countries who are building businesses that contribute to the green transformation. The verification exercise has been an opportunity to meet these entrepreneurs where they are and see their work firsthand.
Last week, we visited women entrepreneurs in Togo.
And now, we arrive at the final stop: Uganda.
Uganda, we’re coming your way. This is the last leg, and we’re making it count.
To all Alumni in Uganda who have volunteered to support the exercise, thank you. We cannot wait to see you!
From Financial Confusion to Financial Clarity: Meet Olapeju Nwanganga
For many small businesses, the numbers can quickly become a problem. Sales are coming in, expenses are going out, stock needs tracking, records need keeping, and bookkeeping becomes one more thing to worry about.
Olapeju Nwanganga saw this problem and decided to build a solution.
The Founder and CEO of Ploutos Page Limited, Olapeju is building tools that make financial management simpler for MSMEs. Her business has three core products: Pepcode, which helps startups and MSMEs track sales, expenses, and inventory; AuditMe, which connects businesses with licensed auditors for affordable audit services; and ÓWÀ by Pepcode, an agent led bookkeeping solution designed specifically for women traders in open markets.
But her work goes beyond software. Olapeju is focused on helping business owners understand their numbers, make better decisions, and become better prepared for growth and access to funding.
Since her TEF journey, Ploutos Page has opened a bigger office, launched ÓWÀ by Pepcode for market women, and gained strategic partnerships.
For Olapeju, entrepreneurship started with a simple observation: many small businesses struggle with financial management because they lack access to simple, practical tools. So she built one. Sometimes, growth starts with understanding the numbers.
You can find her via: LinkedIn / Instagram
Learn Something This Week
Before you leave, sit with this for a second…
Speaking about building institutions that last, our Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, shared that, “Success isn’t measured by profit alone. It’s measured by what remains after the founder is gone.”
For every entrepreneur, the reminder is simple: build for today, but keep tomorrow in mind. Build the systems. Build the team. Build the relationships. Build something that can outlive the moment.
Have You Claimed Your TEF Alumni Health Benefits Yet?
As a TEF Alumnus, you have access to exclusive healthcare benefits through Avon Medical and Avon HMO, including 20% off medical checks and up to 10% savings on SME health plans.
If you haven’t signed up yet, take advantage of these offers to support the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, and your employees.
Your growth matters, and we’re committed to connecting you to opportunities that can help you and your business go further.
Stay Connected. Stay Informed. We’re Always Listening.
There’s always something happening at TEF, and we don’t want you to miss a thing!
Follow @TEFConnect across our social media platforms to stay up to date on the latest opportunities, programmes, events, masterclasses, resources, alumni stories, and everything happening across the TEF entrepreneurial community.
📱 Connect with us on: Instagram | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok
And remember, communication goes both ways. If you have a question, concern, suggestion, feedback, or simply something you would like us to know, reach out to us directly. Our channels are open, and our team is always listening.
💬 Send us a direct message on any of our social media platforms, complete the Feedback Form below, or reach out to our team via email.
Update Us About Your Latest Information
As our alumni community continues to grow, we want to ensure we stay updated with every one of you.
Whether your business location has changed, your business has evolved, or your personal details have changed, we want to know.
If you’re yet to update your information, kindly do so using the link below.
Stay In Touch With TEF Via TEFConnect on Social Media
Please stay connected via TEFConnect on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
