The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) yesterday announced the selection of the first 1,000 African entrepreneurs for the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) and its plan to create 1 million jobs in Africa.
TEEP is a $100 million initiative to discover and support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over the next decade, with a target of creating one million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenues in the process.
According to the organization, over 20,000 African entrepreneurs from 52 countries applied to the programme, representing the creativity and potential on display across the continent.
It added that the initial 1,000 selected for the 2015 class are a remarkable group of entrepreneurs who are a testament to the ability of Africa’s own entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s growth and development.
Speaking on the desired impact of the programme, Founder, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, said; “The selection of these 1,000 entrepreneurs brings us closer to our ultimate goal to drive Africa’s economic and social transformation from within and to radically intensify job creation in Africa.
“Though I have never met or spoken to any of the winners, I am confident that due to the rigorous criteria and selection process, these entrepreneurs are Africa’s hope for the future. I will continue to invest my experience, time, influence, and resources to see them succeed. I am embarking on this journey with these entrepreneurs hopeful and inspired.”
TEF stressed that, the winners represent 52 African countries and territories, as well as a multitude of value, adding sectors ranging from agriculture to education to fashion and ICT.
“The top five countries in terms of numbers of winners are Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana. All five African regions comprising North, East, Southern, Central and West Africa are represented, as well as all major language blocs; Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic Africa,” the organisation said.