Alumni Weekly Newsletter – June 8, 2026
Africa’s economic future is not just being written—it is being boldly built, scaled, and revolutionized by TEF alumni. From the prestigious global policy halls of Geneva to high-tech green innovations in South Africa and booming retail expansions in Gaborone, our entrepreneurs are proving they don't wait for opportunity. They are the opportunity.
Shaping Global Policy: TEF on the World Stage in Geneva
When African entrepreneurs speak, the global community pulls up a chair. At the 114th International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, trailblazing TEF alumnus Ayodélé OGNIN stood proudly as part of the Beninese delegation of employers (appointed by CNP Benin).
As a leading expert in female entrepreneurship and financial access, Ayodélé ensured that African perspectives are actively designing the future of global work.
The Impact: This is the ultimate proof of the TEF ripple effect. Our alumni are not just scaling businesses; they are rewriting international policy.
• Global Advocacy: Placing gender equality and youth leadership at the absolute center of global labor discussions.
• Strategic Representation: Elevating African employer voices on one of the world's most influential platforms.
Fuel Your Growth: Master the Art of Borderless Payments
Great products get you through the door, but seamless cash flow is what helps you conquer the market. If your payment ecosystem is sluggish, you are leaving revenue on the table. This week’s TEF Masterclass is your blueprint to fixing that.
• Facilitator: Emmanuel Ojo
• Time: 1:00 PM (WAT)
• Platform: Zoom
Inside this Session, You Will Unlock:
• Frictionless Scaling: Smart payment strategies that build instant customer trust.
• Cross-Border Dominance: Digital tools designed to streamline transactions across African borders.
• Accelerated Growth: Financial infrastructure built for speed and security.
From 3 Sewing Machines to Global E-Commerce: The Jora Shoes Phenomenon
Let’s talk about massive, undeniable scale. In 2019, Atuhamize Yoram entered the TEF ecosystem with a modest school shoe business in Kampala, Uganda, powered by just 12 employees and 3 sewing machines.
Today, backed by TEF training and seed capital, Jora Shoes Co. Ltd has exploded into a world-class premium leather manufacturer.
The Power of the TEF Engine:
• Job Creation Hub: Scaled from 12 to 46+ skilled employees, driving community transformation.
• High-Volume Output: Over 30 advanced machines pushing out 100+ pairs daily, with a production capacity of 700 pairs per day.
• Global Standards: Achieved ISO certifications, proving African fashion can compete globally.
• International Footprint: Successfully launched on the Alibaba Marketplace for worldwide B2B trade, alongside a flagship showroom in the heart of Kampala.
One entrepreneur. One vision. One continent rising.
👉 Inspired by Yoram's journey? Share your story with us here!
The Beauty of Scale: Wino’s Nail Pub Takes Over Gaborone
From a home-based side hustle to a premium city-center spa and training academy, Normah Morwamang (Founder, Wino’s Nail Pub PTY Ltd) is showing Botswana how to build a wellness empire.
Since receiving TEF support in 2021, Normah’s trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular:
• Hyper-Growth: Skyrocketed from serving 5 clients per month to 5 premium clients per day at Gaborone’s bustling Main Mall.
• Empowering Youth: Creating sustainable youth employment by training inexperienced local youth into certified beauty therapists.
• Future-Proofed & Tech-Driven: Upskilled through advanced courses in AI for business leaders and business management.
• The Next Frontier: Gearing up to manufacture her own proprietary line of beauty products to create even more jobs for women and youth.
👉 We want to feature your business next! Submit your update today.
Tech Meets Green Innovation: Multi-Industry Mastery in Mpumalanga
Who says you have to stay in one lane? Jossefath Emmanuel Gumbi, founder of Mr Capricorn Construction (PTY) Ltd in South Africa, is tackling both environmental sustainability and deep-tech disruption simultaneously.
• Global Voice: Selected to participate virtually in the prestigious World Bank Group Youth Summit, bringing grassroots African perspectives to global leaders.
• Digital Disruption: Launching a major ecosystem upgrade for his highly anticipated application developed under Atlassian.
From cutting-edge water purification in the green economy to cross-industry digital innovations, Jossefath is proving that TEF alumni are multi-sector trailblazers.
Don't Ghost Your Success—Is Your TEF Profile Keeping Up?
Your business is moving fast, hitting milestones, and entering new markets. But if your TEF profile is stuck in the past, you are essentially invisible to global opportunities.
Why it's critical: Updated profiles are the absolute first stop our team and global partners use when scouting for exclusive grants, international partnerships, and high-profile media features.
Don’t let an outdated profile undersell your hard work. Stay visible. Stay ready.
Driven by Impact: The 2025 TEF Annual Report is Live!
Our latest Annual Report is far more than data on a page—it is a collective victory lap for the entire continent. Witness firsthand the incredible transformation that occurs when African entrepreneurs are trusted, trained, and funded.
The Big Takeaways:
• Grassroots startups evolving into structured, high-value supply chains.
• Global recognition for ventures carrying homegrown African innovation abroad.
• Massive job creation that strengthens local economies and empowers households.
Stay Updated
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