In a groundbreaking move, Harvard Business School unveiled a case study on Thursday, February 29, 2024, delving into the transformative role played by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in catalyzing entrepreneurship across Africa. The study marks a milestone as the first of its kind focused on African philanthropy, shedding light on TEF’s unique approach and its impact on the continent’s development agenda.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, led by Tony Elumelu, a prominent figure in African business, has emerged as the leading supporter of young entrepreneurs on the continent. The foundation’s innovative strategy involves seeding, capacitating, and networking young talents across diverse sectors. Drawing inspiration from Elumelu’s entrepreneurial journey, the Foundation aims to democratize luck, fostering opportunities for success in a sector-agnostic manner.
At the heart of TEF’s philosophy lies “Africapitalism,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the private sector in Africa’s development. Elumelu asserts that investment should not only seek economic returns but also contribute to social development. The foundation has established a bespoke infrastructure, spanning every African country, and has disbursed over USD$100 million to fund over 20,000 entrepreneurs.
The case study acknowledges challenges faced by TEF since its founding in 2010 and highlights its impressive track record, including digitally connecting over a million entrepreneurs and developing impact assessment capabilities. Moreover, TEF is increasingly adopting a partnership-based approach, collaborating with entities such as the EU, US agencies, UNDP, ICRC, Ikea Foundation, and others to address specific issues like fragile states, female entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Speaking at Harvard Business School, Tony Elumelu emphasized the foundation’s role in creating economic hope and opportunity for African entrepreneurs. He underscored entrepreneurship as a solution to youth unemployment and insecurity, expressing optimism about transforming young people through TEF’s interventions.
The Harvard Business School session provided a platform for meaningful discussions on philanthropy’s role in shaping sustainable and inclusive economies. As the world grapples with complex challenges, the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s model emerges as a beacon of strategic philanthropy driving positive change across the African continent.