Lettre d'information hebdomadaire des anciens élèves – 7 septembre 2026
Rerun of the Alumni Hub Elections is complete, meet your new hub leads on TEFConnect Instagram! Our Spotlight features our CEO at the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum with the powerful takeaway: “Learn, learn, learn.” Plus, alumni highlights from Tanzania as we head to Senegal, fresh Chamber of Commerce connections, exclusive health perks, and updates on second-stage funding.
Don’t Miss Anything This Week!
The People Have Spoken. The 2026 TEF Hub Lead Elections Are Officially Over.
The votes are in, the results are counted, and a new chapter for the TEF Alumni Community begins today.
To every alumnus and alumna who nominated, campaigned, voted, and showed up throughout this process — thank you. The energy you brought to these elections was a powerful reminder of just how alive and invested this community is. You made this one to remember.
What comes next?
Our newly elected Hub Leads will be going through a formal onboarding process as they step into their roles — and the official announcement of winners will be made on our Instagram page. Head over to @TEFConnect to find out who is leading your hub and give them a warm welcome.
And to our outgoing Hub Leads, this is not goodbye. Not even close.
You gave your time, your energy, and your leadership to this community and the impact of that will outlast any title. You remain a vital and valued part of the TEF Alumni family, and we know you will continue to show up, contribute, and inspire the next generation of leaders the way only you can.
Thank you for everything. You have set a standard worth following. Here’s to the next chapter!
Somachi Chris-Asoluka at the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum 2026
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, was invited to speak at the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum 2026, a premier annual gathering of philanthropic leaders, social investors, corporate foundations, and civil society organizations.
At the forum, she shared powerful insights from Africa on how catalytic philanthropy can empower young entrepreneurs through technology and inclusive partnerships. One key takeaway she left the audience with: “Learn, learn, learn. Never be satisfied or complacent with what you know.”
Her contribution underscored TEF’s commitment to driving sustainable development by equipping the next generation of African entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive.
This engagement reflects TEF’s growing global influence and reinforces our mission to connect Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with international platforms for collaboration and impact.
Alumni Participation in TEF Entrepreneurship Programmes: Senegal Next Stop
Last week, the team was in Tanzania and our alumni showed up to support us in the IYBW WE4A Physical Verification Exercise. You can watch highlights from Tanzania below.
For those who read last week’s newsletter and guessed right you already know we’re heading to Senegal and we want you to come out and support us in the exercise to empower future entrepreneuers, just like others did for you.
Have you volunteered to support in Senegal? We can’t wait to see you!
Guess where the Foundation will be heading next?
Growing a Dream Through Nature and Creativity
For Niry Gabrielle Raveloarinanja, becoming a female entrepreneur was a childhood dream. Today, as the founder of Malagasy Design, a 2021 TEF-funded business in Madagascar, she is turning that dream into a thriving venture.
Malagasy Design specialises in horticulture, pottery and landscaping, creating customised miniature landscapes with natural plants and bonsai. The business also offers succulent arrangements, houseplants, ceramic décor and event decoration.
Niry credits the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme with helping her take the step into entrepreneurship, driven by her desire for independence and to contribute to the development of her country.
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her vision by creating a Japanese-inspired relaxation and wellness space for meditation, yoga and relaxation. With creativity, authenticity and a deep love for nature at the heart of her work, Niry continues to grow a business that reflects both her passion and her entrepreneurial spirit.
Follow their journey on Instagram: [Instagram handle]
Opportunities for TEF Alumni 🚀
We’re bringing you more ways to grow your business, strengthen your wellbeing and access resources that can support your entrepreneurial journey.
Connect, Grow and Access More
Chamber of Commerce Connections: Alumni in Lagos, Nigeria; Cape Town, South Africa; Zambia and Zimbabwe can connect with their local Chamber of Commerce through TEF. This can open doors to greater business visibility, partnerships, networking and opportunities that can support business growth. If you are in one of these locations, complete the form to get started. For alumni in other countries, stay tuned as we continue engaging additional Chambers of Commerce.
Health Benefits for You and Your Team: Your health is an important part of building a sustainable business. Through our partnership with Avon Medical and Avon HMO, TEF Alumni can access 20% off medical checks and up to 10% savings on SME health plans, helping you, your family and your employees access affordable healthcare.
Second-Stage Funding: For alumni who previously expressed interest in additional financing, United Capital Plc is currently reaching out as part of the business assessment process. This engagement is designed to better understand your business, financing needs and readiness for potential funding opportunities.
Make the most of what’s available! If you haven’t taken advantage of these opportunities yet, now is the time to explore them. And don’t keep the benefits to yourself—share these opportunities with other TEF Alumni and your employees so more members of our community can access the support and resources available to them.
Your growth matters, and we’re committed to connecting you to opportunities that can help you and your business go further.
Update Us About You
As our alumni community continue to grow we want to ensure we keep in touch and are updated with every one of you.
Either you changed your business location, your business has evolved, or even personal details we have of you have changed; we are interested in knowing.
If you’re yet to update your information kindly do so using the button below.
We Are Always Listening.
At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, communication is never a one-way street. Whatever is on your mind — feedback, ideas, suggestions, complaints, or just something you want us to know — we want to hear it. All of it.
You can reach us through any of the following:
- Social Media: Find us on @TEFConnect across Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok — our dedicated community pages built for you and your fellow entrepreneurs.
- E-mail: Prefer to write to us directly? Reach our team at enquiries@tonyelumelufoundation.org
- Feedback Form: Have something specific to share? Complete the form below and we will get right on it.
Every channel is actively monitored. We do not just collect feedback — we act on it. So do not hold back.
All lines are open. We are here. Reach out.
