Boletim Semanal dos Antigos Alunos – 13 de julho de 2026
Join us for the TEF Hub Leads Election Information Session on Wednesday, 15th July at 2 PM WAT. Read Viola’s inspiring story, the global opportunities available beyond funding, and update your details to stay connected as a TEF alum — because once TEF, always TEF!
TEF Hub Leads Election Information Session
We’re bringing you everything you need to know about the Hub Leads Election.
Have questions? Need clarifications? We’ve got you!
Data: Wednesday, 15th July 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (WAT)
Get your questions ready, and join us for an informative session where we’ll provide all the guidance and clarifications you need about the elections. Don’t miss it!
Connecting Farmers to Opportunity: Viola’s Essymart Africa Story
Viola launched Essymart Africa in 2022 to connect smallholder farmers to markets, inputs, and processing services. Funded by TEF in 2024, Essymart now serves over 5,000 farmers across Eastern Uganda, helping them increase incomes by 40–45% through digital tools like WebApp, SMS, and voice calls.
The platform has expanded into multiple districts, opened rural retail outlets, and is building processing facilities to reduce postharvest losses. By promoting sustainable practices and empowering women in agriculture, Essymart is tackling poverty at the root level while strengthening food security and climate resilience.
Connect with her via: https://essymart.com (Website), @essymartafrica (X), Instagram @essymartafrica, and LinkedIn Essymart Africa.
Your Alumni Status Opens More Than One Door
While funding is a major focus for many, opportunities from the Foundation go beyond that — access to global platforms, exclusive events, and discounts are just as valuable.
This year, several alumni represented the Foundation internationally: Christiana Owoeye on a fully funded trip to China; Maureen, Sarah, Hope, Belmy, Lily, and Pauline at the Nalafem Summit in Kenya; and Rachel Anyanwu and Aisha Samira Abdullahi at the SightSavers GESP SABI-Woman close-out event in Abuja.
These opportunities are a reminder that being part of this community means more than funding. It means visibility, networks, and platforms that can elevate your business and voice on a global stage.
Kindly note that we are currently reviewing all submitted applications for second stage funding, and no further action is required from you at this time.
Once a TEF Alum, Always a TEF Alum!
Have you changed your business name after receiving funding? Relocated? Updated your phone number? Switched industries? Or even had to pause or stop the business entirely?
Whatever the change, let us know. Regardless of what’s changed, you remain a TEF alumnus.
Once a TEF Alum, Always a TEF Alum!
Keeping your information current ensures you never miss important emails, opportunities, or updates from the Foundation; from funding calls to events, platforms, and everything in between.
Our Founder Once Said…
Our Founder Mr. Tony O. Elumelu CFR once said “Impossibility only happens in the brain. Never believe anything is impossible. Have an open mind. Find out what it takes to succeed. Chances are it will”
To be a successful entrepreneur, nothing must seem impossible, to make it possible find out what it takes to succeed.
What’s that one business goal you thought was impossible?
The TEF Squad visited Cameroon to meet TEF entrepreneurs whose ideas have transformed into thriving businesses. We held a meeting with the Minister of Youth to discuss the impact of the Foundation and alignment with the Cameroonian government. We also held an alumni meetup with over 50 alumni in attendance!
For the 2026 TEF Flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, we are currently in the Seed Capital Submission Phase, where entrepreneurs are submitting their identification and business registration documents, etc.
Five Years, One Remarkable Journey
At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we’re invested in growth; not just for the entrepreneurs we support, but for the people who power our mission every day.
Encontrar Oniye Okolo, who joined the Foundation as a Partnerships Officer and, in just five years, rose through the ranks to become a Partnerships Manager.
Her journey is a testament to what dedication, growth, and purpose-driven work can achieve. Want to find out more about her story?
Lawrence Hoba, Founder of ENRAPOWER
Lawrence established ENRAPOWER in Zimbabwe to deliver affordable renewable energy solutions across Southern Africa. The company has won multiple awards including SEED Africa (2019), Stanbic Bank Entrepreneurship (2024), and Gian Marco Morrati (2025), and secured $100,000 in funding.
ENRAPOWER’s integrated renewable energy systems have impacted tens of thousands of people, advancing access to clean power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to multiple sustainable development goals.
Lawrence’s work positions Zimbabwe as a hub for renewable innovation while driving inclusive energy access.
Connect with him via: ENRAPOWER (LinkedIn), @EnrapowerPlc (X), and Facebook @enrapower.
