Tony Elumelu Foundation postpones entrepreneurship programme over COVID-19

Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme, has postponed its 6th edition due to the COVID-19 outbreak until 2021.

TEF entrepreneurship program is an annual scheme that empowers 1000 entrepreneurs around the African continent through funds, training and mentorship.

In a mail sent to it participants, on Friday, titled “Tony Elumelu Foundation Repositions to support the Economic Recovery of African Entrepreneurs”, the foundation explained the decision for the postponement, saying although it was tough, it was necessary for “public health and safety.”

“Like most of you, we have been monitoring news of the emergence and increasing incidence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across Africa. In response to the current crisis resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the entrepreneurship-focused African philanthropy, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has announced the difficult decision to postpone the 6th edition of its Entrepreneurship Programme and the TEF Forum until 2021.”

Meanwhile, TEF assured 2020 eligible applicants that they can still go ahead to the next stage and will not need to reapply, however, the “foundation will double its own commitment to select 2000 entrepreneurs (1000 entrepreneurs for 2020 cohort and 1000 entrepreneurs for 2021 cohort) instead of annual selection of 1000 entrepreneurs. Thus, there will be no lost opportunities for the 2020 applicants to the programme.”

The body stated that it will work with government, stakeholders, and other relevant authorities to provide succor for African entrepreneurs post coronavirus and encourage entrepreneurs who are proffering ingenious solutions to overcome the pandemic viral infection.

TEF advised the general public to take prevent measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“In addition, the Tony Elumelu Foundation will provide free training on TEFConnect. This includes access to the 12 weeks enterprise toolkit as well as targeted business clinics on special topics.”