Introducing the remarkable “Women Entrepreneurship for Africa” (WE4A) initiative, a collaborative effort supported by the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Executed by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and the German Development Agency GIZ through the E4D program, this program is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly focusing on women, youth, and the informal sector. The Acceleration/Growth Programme is set to unfold with the backing of SAFEEM (Swiss Association for Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets), aiming to uplift and nurture entrepreneurship in the region.
To ensure a tailored and effective approach, the 100 TEF Alumna beneficiaries of this collaboration have been grouped into eight clusters based on their growth stage and sector. Each cluster is overseen by an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) who offers guidance and encouragement throughout the program, fostering a supportive environment for growth and development. The sectors included in the program range from Agriculture to Education & Training, Health, and Market Places, among others, providing a diverse and comprehensive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.
Excitingly, the TEF Women Entrepreneurship for Africa program offers a multitude of benefits, including up to €50,000 in additional grant funding for 15 enterprises with high-growth potential, €10,000 in grant funding for 120 women entrepreneurs from the TEF alumni network, and a 3-month virtual acceleration program for technical support. Female entrepreneurs from the TEF Alumni network are encouraged to apply, especially those with a viable product and existing customer base. With an application deadline of March 31, 2024, interested individuals can seize this opportunity by visiting the Tony Elumelu Foundation website at www.tonyelumelufoundation.org to begin their journey towards empowerment and success in entrepreneurship.
