Across many rural communities in Kenya, something as routine as accessing a computer, applying for jobs online or completing a digital skills course can require travelling long distances. While cities continue to benefit from rapid technological advancement, many smaller towns remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, limiting opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Rather than accepting this gap as inevitable, Noah chose to build a business that could help close it.

As the Founder of Kerilinks Enterprises Limited, he is making digital services and ICT training more accessible through the Kasheen ICT Centre, a community-based technology hub that equips residents with the tools and skills needed to participate in today’s digital economy.

Noah Kipkoech believes digital access should not depend on geography

Technology has become essential to almost every aspect of modern life. From applying for jobs and accessing government services to running businesses and acquiring new skills, digital literacy is increasingly a requirement rather than an advantage.

Yet for many people living in rural Kenya, these opportunities remain out of reach because access to computers, affordable internet and structured ICT training is limited.

Having grown up in Kericho County, Noah witnessed these challenges firsthand. Young people eager to develop digital skills had few local options. Entrepreneurs struggled to access online markets and services. Families often travelled considerable distances simply to complete tasks that required an internet connection.

Recognising both the challenge and the opportunity, Noah founded Kerilinks Enterprises Limited, a social enterprise committed to making technology more accessible where it is needed most.

Kasheen ICT Centre is making digital inclusion practical

At the heart of Kerilinks Enterprises is the Kasheen ICT Centre, a technology hub designed to bring affordable digital services directly into underserved communities.

The centre provides affordable computer and internet access, practical ICT training programmes and a collaborative environment where students, freelancers, entrepreneurs and job seekers can build the digital skills increasingly required in today’s workforce.

Rather than relying on donor funding alone, the business generates revenue through ICT services, internet access and digital training, demonstrating that community-focused technology solutions can also be commercially sustainable.

By combining accessibility with a viable business model, Kerilinks is helping reduce one of the biggest barriers to economic participation—limited access to digital tools and knowledge.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped accelerate Noah Kipkoech’s vision

Building a business that creates both commercial and social value requires more than determination. It requires access to capital, business knowledge and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, Noah received $5,000 seed capital that enabled Kerilinks Enterprises to expand the operations of the Kasheen ICT Centre and strengthen its early growth.

The support helped increase the centre’s reach, enhance service delivery and establish sustainable revenue streams while continuing to make digital services affordable for local communities.

Beyond funding, the programme connected Noah to a network of entrepreneurs across Africa who are building businesses that solve pressing local challenges through innovation.

Why Noah Kipkoech’s work matters

Digital inclusion is increasingly recognised as a foundation for economic growth.

Without access to technology, individuals face greater barriers to employment, education and entrepreneurship, while communities risk being left behind as economies become more digital.

Through the Kasheen ICT Centre, Noah is helping ensure that these opportunities are available closer to home.

The enterprise has already created direct employment for two young people while providing hundreds of residents with affordable access to computers, internet services and digital skills training.

Young people who have completed the centre’s programmes report greater confidence using technology and improved readiness for jobs requiring basic ICT competencies, helping strengthen workforce participation within the community.

In recognition of his leadership, Noah was invited to serve as a judge for the Warriors for Good Awards in early 2025, celebrating social innovation and community impact across Kenya.

Looking beyond Kericho

For Noah, expanding digital inclusion is only the beginning.

Kerilinks Enterprises plans to grow its digital skills programmes, strengthen partnerships with community organisations and develop scalable models of last-mile connectivity that can be replicated in underserved communities across Kenya.

As Africa continues its digital transformation, entrepreneurs like Noah are demonstrating that innovation does not have to begin in major cities to create meaningful impact.

The future of digital inclusion will depend not only on better technology but also on making that technology accessible to everyone.

Noah Kipkoech envisions communities where location is no longer a barrier to opportunity and where every young person can acquire the digital skills needed to participate in the modern economy.

Through Kerilinks Enterprises, that vision is already becoming a reality—one community, one learner, and one connection at a time.

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Through Sante City Academy Limited, she is building an institution that places learning at the centre of long-term social and economic development, demonstrating how entrepreneurship in education can create lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom.

Why quality education matters

Education plays a central role in strengthening communities, improving economic opportunities and preparing young people for an increasingly competitive global economy.

For many families, schools represent more than places of academic instruction. They are environments where children develop confidence, critical thinking, discipline and the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

Recognising this, Tembo Cleopatra established Sante City Academy with a vision of creating a learning environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.

Her approach reflects a broader understanding that investment in education is ultimately an investment in people.

Building Sante City Academy around student success

As the founder and leader of Sante City Academy Limited, Tembo Cleopatra has focused on providing high-quality education that equips learners with the knowledge, values and practical skills required for lifelong success.

The academy is built on the belief that education should nurture the whole child, combining strong academic foundations with personal development and leadership.

By creating a supportive learning environment, the school seeks to prepare students not only for examinations but also for future opportunities in higher education, employment and entrepreneurship.

This commitment has positioned Sante City Academy as part of Zambia’s growing private education sector, where innovative institutions are helping expand educational choice and improve learning outcomes.

Joining the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

In 2024, Tembo Cleopatra was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, joining thousands of entrepreneurs from across Africa recognised for their potential to drive economic transformation through business.

The programme provides entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, seed capital and access to a continent-wide entrepreneurial network designed to strengthen sustainable business growth.

For an entrepreneur operating in the education sector, this support offers valuable opportunities to refine business strategy, strengthen institutional capacity and connect with fellow founders addressing diverse challenges across Africa.

By becoming part of the Foundation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Cleopatra gained access to resources that complement her vision of expanding educational opportunities while building a resilient and sustainable enterprise.

Education as a catalyst for community development

Schools have a unique ability to influence generations.

Beyond delivering education, institutions like Sante City Academy contribute to stronger communities by creating environments where young people can develop confidence, leadership and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Tembo Cleopatra’s work reflects an understanding that educational entrepreneurship carries responsibilities beyond business performance. Every learner supported today represents future potential for families, communities and the wider economy.

By investing in quality learning experiences, the academy contributes to Zambia’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital and prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

As demand grows for innovative education models across Africa, entrepreneurs like Cleopatra are demonstrating how private enterprise can complement national education goals while expanding access to quality learning.

Tembo Cleopatra’s long-term vision for Sante City Academy is rooted in creating an environment where every learner has the opportunity to develop academically, personally and professionally.

As the institution continues to grow, it aims to strengthen its contribution to educational excellence while preparing students to become confident leaders, innovators and responsible citizens.

Her entrepreneurial journey illustrates that education is not simply about teaching today’s curriculum. It is about equipping tomorrow’s generation with the knowledge, resilience and ambition to shape Africa’s future.

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Rethinking governance for Africa’s growing businesses

Corporate governance is often associated with large listed companies, complex regulatory frameworks and extensive boards of directors. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it can appear distant, expensive or unnecessary.

Ntini challenges that perception.

He believes governance should be practical, accessible and designed to support entrepreneurs as they grow rather than becoming a consideration only after businesses reach maturity.

By translating governance principles into practical business tools, he helps organisations improve decision-making, manage risk, strengthen accountability and position themselves for long-term growth.

This approach reflects the evolving needs of African enterprises operating in increasingly competitive and interconnected markets.

Building the Global Governance Group

As the founder and CEO of Global Governance Group, Dumisani Ntini has built a consultancy focused on helping businesses embed ethical leadership, effective management systems and sustainable governance structures.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the company tailors governance frameworks to the realities of businesses operating in emerging African markets.

Its work spans strategic advisory services, governance implementation and executive development, helping organisations navigate regulatory expectations while strengthening internal systems that support sustainable growth.

For entrepreneurs seeking investment or expansion opportunities, these governance foundations can improve operational resilience and increase investor confidence.

Accelerating growth through the Tony Elumelu Foundation

In 2021, Dumisani Ntini joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, becoming part of the Foundation’s pan-African network of entrepreneurs.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, alongside business training, mentorship and access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem spanning all 54 African countries.

The experience reinforced his vision of making corporate governance more accessible to businesses across the continent.

Beyond financial support, participation in the programme expanded opportunities for collaboration, strengthened his regional network and provided additional momentum to scale the Global Governance Group’s impact.

The Foundation’s support complemented Ntini’s mission of equipping African enterprises with the governance systems needed to grow sustainably and compete globally.

Building stronger institutions through knowledge

Recognising that governance is most effective when it is understood rather than imposed, Ntini has invested heavily in business education and public engagement.

Under his leadership, the Global Governance Group launched the #GoodGovernanceWorkshops, bringing together executives, board members and entrepreneurs to explore practical approaches to governance, leadership and organisational sustainability.

These workshops encourage businesses to view governance not simply as a compliance exercise but as a strategic asset that strengthens resilience, improves transparency and supports better decision-making.

By making governance knowledge more accessible, the company is helping cultivate stronger business institutions across Botswana and beyond.

Shaping the conversation on corporate governance

Dumisani Ntini’s influence extends beyond consulting.

He is a recognised voice in Botswana’s business community, regularly contributing insights on corporate governance through appearances on Botswana Television (BTV) and his #CorporateGovernanceCorner column published in Botswana Business Weekly.

Through these platforms, he continues to advocate for governance as a catalyst for business success, investment readiness and sustainable economic development.

His work contributes to a broader conversation about the role governance plays in strengthening Africa’s private sector and creating businesses capable of delivering long-term value.

Dumisani Ntini believes the continent’s future competitiveness depends not only on entrepreneurial ambition but also on the strength of the institution’s entrepreneurs build.

Through the Global Governance Group, he is working to ensure that governance becomes an integral part of business growth rather than an afterthought.

For entrepreneurs seeking to build lasting organisations, governance is not simply about managing risk it is about creating the conditions for enduring success.

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Her work reflects a growing movement across Africa, where entrepreneurs are redefining tourism by placing local communities and authentic experiences at the heart of travel.

Unlocking Botswana’s tourism potential

Botswana is internationally recognised for destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the Kalahari Desert. Yet beyond its iconic wildlife lies a wealth of cultural traditions, community experiences and lesser-known destinations that remain underexplored.

For many travellers, accessing these experiences requires local knowledge and carefully curated itineraries. For local tourism businesses, standing out in a competitive global market requires innovation, storytelling and a deep understanding of what modern travellers value.

Recognising these opportunities, Bakang Keimetswe founded Afrigetaway to bridge the gap between Botswana’s rich tourism assets and travellers seeking meaningful, immersive experiences.

Building Afrigetaway around authentic experiences

Established in 2018, Afrigetaway (Pty) Ltd operates within Botswana’s tourism and hospitality sector, specialising in destination management, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and adventure travel.

The company’s approach goes beyond organising trips. It curates journeys that introduce visitors to Botswana’s landscapes, heritage and local communities while encouraging responsible travel practices that respect both people and the environment.

By combining tourism planning with authentic storytelling, Afrigetaway is helping position Botswana as a destination that offers more than wildlife safaris—it offers experiences that create lasting connections between travellers and the places they visit.

As demand grows for sustainable and experience-led tourism, the company is responding to changing traveller expectations while contributing to the country’s evolving tourism economy.

Strengthening the business through the Tony Elumelu Foundation

In 2021, Bakang Keimetswe joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, gaining access to the support needed to strengthen Afrigetaway during its early stages of growth.

Through the programme, she received US$5,000 in seed capital, alongside business training, mentorship and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial networks.

The support helped reinforce the company’s business structure, increase its visibility and provide practical tools for navigating the challenges of growing a tourism enterprise in a rapidly changing market.

Beyond funding, the programme connected Keimetswe with a community of entrepreneurs who continue to demonstrate the value of collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation across Africa.

Contributing to Botswana’s experience economy

Since participating in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, Afrigetaway has continued to strengthen its presence within Botswana’s growing tourism ecosystem.

The company has gradually expanded its focus on eco-tourism, experience-based travel and youth enterprise participation, reflecting broader shifts in how travellers engage with destinations.

Its work contributes to a tourism model that extends economic opportunities beyond traditional hospitality businesses by encouraging greater participation from local communities, guides and cultural experiences.

In doing so, Afrigetaway is helping showcase Botswana through the perspectives of the people who know it best.

This approach demonstrates how entrepreneurial innovation can complement national tourism strategies while creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Bakang Keimetswe believes Botswana’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the authenticity of its people, landscapes and traditions. Through Afrigetaway, she continues to build experiences that celebrate those strengths while responding to the evolving expectations of global travellers.

As demand grows for sustainable and culturally immersive travel, the company is well positioned to contribute to Botswana’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations.

Her entrepreneurial journey illustrates that tourism is more than moving people from one place to another. At its best, it builds understanding, creates livelihoods and allows communities to share their stories with the world.

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The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has given $2 million to nearly 400 entrepreneurs in Rwanda as seed capital.

The global ambassadors praised the Foundation’s great impact in Rwanda and all 54 African countries.

The TEF is a famous charity founded by Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, a respected and influential business figure. The foundation operates with the primary objective of empowering and supporting African entrepreneurs in their journey towards success and economic development.

One of the key ways in which TEF achieves its mission is by providing seed capital to aspiring entrepreneurs. TEF provides money to help entrepreneurs start their businesses and make their creative ideas come true.

In addition to financial assistance, the foundation also offers mentorship programs to its beneficiaries. Through these programs, experienced and successful entrepreneurs provide guidance, advice, and support to the emerging business owners. This mentorship is important for entrepreneurs to overcome business challenges and complexities, improving their chances of long-term success.

TEF’s commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs extends beyond just financial support, mentorship, and training. The foundation also fosters a vibrant and dynamic community of entrepreneurs, facilitating networking opportunities and collaboration among its beneficiaries. This community-driven approach encourages knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and the formation of valuable partnerships, further enhancing the prospects of success for African entrepreneurs.

The foundation has given $2 million to nearly 400 entrepreneurs in Rwanda to help them start their businesses.

The foundation’s work extends beyond Rwanda and has had an extraordinary impact across all 54 African countries. The global ambassadors, including Amb. Cui Jian Chun, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, and Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, have praised the foundation’s efforts and its contribution to entrepreneurship in Africa.

More pictures with the global Ambassadors below:

People often highlight the foundation’s initiatives with hashtags such as #EmpoweredByTEF and #TEF2024.

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The application portal for BeGreen Africa is now open on TEFConnect, the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s digital platform, to all waste management start-ups in Kenya, and green start-ups in Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.

BeGreen Africa is a green entrepreneurship pilot programme co-created by The Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU), IKEA Foundation, and young green entrepreneurs.

The key objective of this mission-aligned partnership is to create a holistic, sustainable, and youth-led green entrepreneurship initiative in the waste sector [in Kenya], and the green sector [in Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa], to advance marginalized youth’s social and economic prosperity, while addressing the triple planetary crisis by reducing inequalities, and creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their peers.

The founding partners of BeGreen Africa will leverage their collective expertise, close relations with government, the private sector and youth networks, and extensive field presence across Africa and in Kenya to: a) develop a green-focused curricula that addresses the gaps and capacity needs of the identified target youth, b) engage expert trainers to deliver the trainings via www.TEFConnect.com, c) facilitate mentor and alumni network connections, and d) provide seed capital funding that will empower the identified entrepreneurs to kickstart, develop, and scale their green businesses.

In this pilot, #BeGreenAfrica aims to train 1,000 Kenyan youth in the waste management sector, and economically empower 120 of them, as well as empower 25 green sector entrepreneurs in Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, all under the age of 35, with new or existing green businesses. The initiative will build evidence around youth entrepreneurship in high-impact green sectors, exploring how young entrepreneurs can contribute to circular economies and a sustained green revolution in Africa.

The multilingual Application Portal is open on www.TEFConnect.com from August 10 till August 31, 2023.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation:

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalysing job creation across all 54 African countries, and increasing women economic empowerment. Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has provided over 1.5 million young Africans with access to training on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed nearly USD$100 million in direct funding to 18,000 African women and men, who have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent.

About UNICEF GEN-U:

Launched by the UN Secretary-General at the 2018 UN General Assembly, and anchored in UNICEF, Generation Unlimited is a leading global Public-Private-Youth Partnership, bringing together global organizations and leaders including Heads of State, CEOs, Heads of UN agencies, and civil society champions with young people to co-create and deliver innovative solutions on a global scale.

Generation Unlimited is on a mission to skill the world’s 1.8 billion young people and connect them to opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

About IKEA Foundation:

The IKEA Foundation is a strategic philanthropy that focuses its grant making efforts on tackling the two biggest threats to children’s futures: poverty and climate change. It currently grants more than €200 million per year to help improve family incomes and quality of life while protecting the planet from climate change. Since 2009, the IKEA Foundation has granted more than €1.8 billion to create a better future for children and their families.

In 2021 the Board of the IKEA Foundation decided to make an additional €1 billion available over the next five years to accelerate the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions. In 2023, IKEA Foundation has already provided more than € 31 Million in emergency funding.

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The Landscape of Disability in Africa:

Across the world, there is a significant population of people living with disabilities, who face substantial barriers in accessing education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities, and a sizable number of them call Africa home. Our continent’s limited infrastructure, societal stigmas, and inadequate support systems exacerbate the challenges that these individuals face, and to bridge the gap, the Tony Elumelu Foundation lives its ethos of “Democratising Luck” by taking decisive steps – including entering into strategic partnerships – to ensure that the untapped potential of every African, who is or is not living with disabilities, is unleashed.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Commitment:

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, the Foundation actively seeks to empower all African entrepreneurs, including those living with disabilities, by providing them with access to trainings, digital resources, networks, market linkages, and non-refundable seed capital funding. Though rigorous, the Programme’s selection process is objective and selects every African that applies, based on their innovative business ideas, potential for growth, and commitment to making a positive social impact, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

In 2022, the Tony Elumelu Foundation partnered with Sightsavers, an international charity organization working to prevent avoidable blindness, support equality for people with disabilities and advocate for change, to empower Africans living with disabilities. Through this partnership, the Tony Elumelu Foundation made significant contributions to the five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 10, 11 and 17) that aim to promote sustainable and transformative progress in the lives of people living with disabilities, and ensuring that they also benefit from societal, national, and continental development.

Support Mechanisms for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

To ensure inclusive support is easily and readily available to all African entrepreneurs, including those living with disabilities, the Tony Elumelu Foundation curates a diverse range of resources that can caters to the diverse needs of all African entrepreneurs. These resources include:

• Training and Mentorship: Participants of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme intensive training in business management, financial literacy, marketing, and other critical skills necessary for entrepreneurial success. They are also paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The training is primarily deployed through the Foundation’s digital platform, www.tefconnect.com, but also through expert mentors who provide hands-on support as needed.

• Non-refundable Seed Capital: The Tony Elumelu Foundation injects non-refundable seed capital funding into the businesses of African entrepreneurs who have proven their business concepts and innovations to be bankable, and this includes entrepreneurs with disabilities. The seed capital funding enables them to kick-start or scale their business ventures, cover startup costs, procure necessary equipment, and invest in marketing efforts, ensuring a solid foundation for their businesses.
• Access to Networks and Markets: The Tony Elumelu Foundation leverages its extensive network of partners, industry experts, and alumni to connect budding African entrepreneurs, including those living with disabilities, to relevant opportunities, markets, and networks. This invaluable access plays a crucial role in fostering growth, collaboration, and visibility for these entrepreneurs.
• Advocacy and Awareness: The Foundation actively advocates for the rights and inclusion of all African entrepreneurs, including those living with disabilities, in entrepreneurship and society at large. By raising awareness about the potential and contributions of entrepreneurs with disabilities, the Foundation helps break down barriers and challenges societal misconceptions, paving the way for a more inclusive business environment.

Impact and Success Stories:

The impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s initiatives in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship is evident in the success stories of entrepreneurs with disabilities who have thrived under its support. These success stories inspire others and demonstrate that entrepreneurship knows no boundaries. By providing opportunities, skills, and resources, the Foundation has empowered individuals with disabilities to transform their lives, contribute to their communities, and drive economic growth in Africa.

Inclusive entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for social and economic change in Africa, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for people with disabilities. By providing comprehensive support mechanisms, advocating for their rights, and highlighting their potential, the Foundation is driving a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and prosperous Africa. As the Foundation continues to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities, it is paving the way for a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in and benefit from Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In this section, we highlight a couple of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs who are thriving with disabilities and creating impact in their communities:

Abayomi Soetan is an entrepreneur operating in the Agricultural sector with more interest in Agricultural processing and Food packaging.

In an interview with the Foundation, he mentioned that through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, he has gained valuable insights which will greatly benefit his business. He has also learned the importance of perseverance and continuously adapting his business plans to ensure the survival, profitability, and growth of his enterprise.

Additionally, he has developed effective record-keeping practices using an Excel format and recognized the significance of organizing receipts and invoices. He has also acquired knowledge in digital marketing and plan to invest more in e-commerce, leveraging platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to expand their market reach and increase sales opportunities.

Following the receipt of the seed capital, he has been able to rent a bigger space for his business, purchase some processing equipment and employed two staff to handle activities such as yam and cassava peeling, as well as packaging food products.

Aanuoluwa Omoleye is a thriving entrepreneur with a hearing impairment, who is creating great impact in her society. She is the founder of AbleBooks Africa which aims to produce several varieties of illustrated story/picture books for African (especially Nigerian) children with disabilities in nursery, primary and secondary schools.

The books would portray children with disabilities as the main characters and provide a sense of belonging that regular story/picture books do not offer. This idea will solve representation issues and incorrect portrayal in the educational system while enabling the children to relate to each story. These books would be in several varieties and would cater to diverse categories of disabilities, especially deaf/hard of hearing, physically challenged, blind, neurodivergent children, and children with albinism.

According to her, the seed capital will enable acquire the resources to bring her enterprise from zero to something, as well as gain credibility and create more opportunities for growth and exposure.

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The African Context

Africa stands at a crossroads, simultaneously facing challenges and opportunities. The continent’s rapid population growth, urbanization, and increased consumer demands, presents a promising environment for economic growth and development. However, this growth must be approached with a keen focus on sustainability, to avoid exacerbating environmental degradation and climate change.

Environmental sustainability is crucial for Africa’s long-term prosperity. The continent is blessed with abundant renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind power, and arable land. Leveraging these resources responsibly can create sustainable economic opportunities while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Africa’s vast biodiversity, including its unique ecosystems and wildlife, is a treasure that must be protected for future generations.

The Role of the Tony Elumelu Foundation

As the leading philanthropic organisation working to strike a balance between business profitability and environmental stewardship in Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has embraced a holistic approach to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable development, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs through its flagship programme, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEFEP).

Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship:

The Foundation promotes sustainable entrepreneurship as a powerful driver of economic growth and environmental conservation. Through its Entrepreneurship Programme, the Tony Elumelu Foundation identifies, trains, mentors, and funds entrepreneurs in all 54 countries across Africa, empowering them to build businesses that will generate revenue and positive environmental impact. By encouraging African entrepreneurs to adopt environmental responsibility in their business operations, TEF fulfils its commitment to contribute to the continent’s sustainable development agenda.

Fostering Green Innovation and Technology:

Having recognised the critical role that green innovation and technology play in addressing Africa’s sustainable development challenges, the Tony Elumelu Foundation makes concerted efforts to empower African entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to environmental issues, through renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and conservation. By nurturing these entrepreneurs and providing them with the necessary resources and networks, TEF is accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies across various sectors.

Partnering for Sustained and Sustainable Development:

Through strategic collaboration with like-minded  organisations in the public, private and development sectors, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is actively contributing to the advancement of Africa’s sustainable development. The Foundation leverages its networks to strengthen the capacity of young African entrepreneurs, by creating a thriving ecosystem that supports environmentally responsible businesses. These collaborations form the basis of a sustainable development framework that prioritizes both profitability and environmental sustainability.

Creating Awareness and Advocacy:

The Tony Elumelu Foundation goes beyond direct entrepreneurship support by advocating for sustainable development at the regional and global levels. The Foundation engages in policy dialogues and knowledge sharing initiatives that drive the adoption of sustainable practices among policymakers, businesses, and communities. By raising awareness about the importance of balancing profitability and environmental sustainability, TEF reinforces the mindset amongst African entrepreneurs that encourages a collective effort towards a sustainable Africa.

Investing in Sustainable Initiatives:

As an embodiment of Africapitalism, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu (TEF founder)’s economic principle, and its guiding principles, the Tony Elumelu Foundation makes strategic long-term investments in sustainable initiatives that create broader economic value across Africa. The Foundation recognizes that sustainable development requires human and financial capital, and that impact investments play a crucial role in driving change. TEF’s digital proprietary platform, TEFConnect, provides access to Business Management Training to over 1.5million Africans who are collectively working towards sustainable development goals. These investments demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to not just profitability, but also towards catalysing environmental responsibility to positively transform the economy and the environment.

By supporting greenpreneurship, fostering green innovation, engaging in strategic partnerships, advocating for sustainable practices, and making strategic investments, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is driving positive change across the continent, and paving the way for a new generation of environmentally conscious African entrepreneurs that will shape the continent’s future.

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Understanding the Limitations of Aid:

While aid has played a crucial role in addressing immediate humanitarian crises and providing essential services, it often falls short in creating self-sufficiency and sustained long-term development. Aid flows can be unpredictable and subject to geopolitical shifts, creating dependency and inhibiting local agency. Moreover, aid can inadvertently undermine local industries, discourage innovation, and perpetuate a cycle of dependency. It is time to challenge the status quo and explore alternative approaches that empower Africans to take charge of their own destiny.

Embracing Entrepreneurship as an Engine for Growth:

Entrepreneurship has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for transformative change in Africa. By supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and facilitating access to capital, knowledge, and networks, we can create an enabling environment that nurtures innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to identify opportunities, solve local challenges, and build sustainable businesses that create wealth and drive development from within.

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset:

To shift from aid to enterprise, it is vital to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across the continent. This begins with education and training programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme Business Management training on TEFConnect, which equips young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. By integrating entrepreneurship into our educational curricula, fostering mentorship, and providing experiential learning opportunities, we can inspire a new generation of African leaders who are equipped to tackle complex challenges and drive inclusive growth.

Access to Capital and Resources:

Access to capital remains a significant hurdle for African entrepreneurs. By mobilizing both public and private sector resources, we can create investment vehicles, such as venture capital funds and impact funds, that are specifically tailored to support African entrepreneurs.

Fostering Regional Integration and Collaboration:

Collaboration and regional integration are critical for maximizing the impact of entrepreneurship in Africa. By encouraging intra-African trade, harmonizing policies, and promoting cross-border cooperation, we can unlock the potential of regional markets and create economies of scale. Collaborative initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), provide a framework for deeper integration and increased trade, enabling entrepreneurs to access larger markets and expand their businesses across borders.

The shift from aid to enterprise represents a bold and necessary step towards a sustainable and prosperous Africa. By empowering entrepreneurs, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, and facilitating access to capital and resources, we can foster an environment conducive to innovation, economic growth, and social progress. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, through its commitment to entrepreneurship development, is at the forefront of this transformative journey, empowering African entrepreneurs to become agents of change and drivers of Africa’s development. Together, let us reimagine Africa’s future and build a continent that thrives on excellence, enterprise, and execution.

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