The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), in collaboration with UBA Kenya, hosted an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Mixer at the UBA Kenya Headquarters on Westlands Road, Nairobi.
The gathering brought together beneficiaries of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, TEF mentors, partners, and leading voices in Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to exchange ideas, deepen connections, and celebrate African entrepreneurship.
The event is part of TEF’s mission to strengthen local entrepreneurial networks and create an enabling environment where young African entrepreneurs can thrive.
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, stated: “At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that entrepreneurship is the most powerful tool we have to transform Africa. This gathering underscores our commitment to building robust local ecosystems and sustaining the journeys of our TEF Alumni. Through partnerships like this with UBA Kenya, we amplify impact, expand networks, and unlock opportunity.”
Mary Mulili, MD & CEO of UBA Kenya, added: At UBA Kenya, we are proud to partner with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in empowering entrepreneurs who are the true drivers of Africa’s economic transformation. In Kenya alone, TEF has directly impacted 1,292 entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and each received USD 5,000 seed capital, a contribution that fuels job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. UBA Kenya is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs on their growth journey. We are making available tailored financial solutions, including working capital, asset financing, and overdraft facilities to help them scale and sustain their businesses. We applaud TEF’s commitment and look forward to deepening our collaboration to unlock even more opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs.
Since the launch of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has:
- Empowered over 24,000 African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries
- Disbursed over USD 100 million in non-refundable seed capital
- Contributed to the creation of more than 5 million jobs
- Granted 5 million Africans access to training on its proprietary hub, TEFConnect
- Supported businesses that have generated over USD 4.2 billion in collective revenue
- Pulled over 2 million Africans out of poverty
TEF Alumni and Mentors also shared their testimonials.
“I run a company called Mambo Software. We are software developers and proud beneficiaries of the 2018 programme. I first heard about the opportunity in 2017 through adverts in the national newspaper, but I didn’t make it that year. I tried again in 2018, and that time, I was selected.
Despite already having an MBA in Strategic Management, I was surprised by the quality and practicality of the training. It wasn’t just a theory; it was real business life. The funding came right when we were in a difficult phase, juggling so much. It gave us the push we needed. Since then, we’ve achieved major milestones and started streamlining our business. I am truly grateful.” – Huntington Mambo Asimpad, 2018 TEF Alumni and Founder of Mambo Software.
I want to congratulate the Tony Elumelu Foundation for what they are doing. There is no better way to shape the future of Africa than what TEF is doing right now. For me, this is more than a programme; it is a passion. What keeps me coming back to work with TEF is the power of mentorship, especially in business and enterprise. There is no greater key to unlocking Africa’s potential. Every time I mentor or engage with my TEF mentees, it is incredibly fulfilling.
The impact TEF has had, reaching 24,000 entrepreneurs and touching 2 million families, is no small feat. TEF has built something truly transformative.
To everyone at TEF: congratulations, and please keep going. And to others in similar spaces across Africa, let this be your example. Whatever TEF is doing, it is working.” – Dr. Rosemary Gituma, TEF Mentor.
“My name is Maureen, and I’m Kenyan. I was selected to join the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2017, and the journey carries many layers for me. At the time, I had just lost two businesses. I’d exited employment at 30, raised capital, saved money, and thrown myself fully into entrepreneurship, but I lost it all in just six months.
A friend of mine sent me the TEF application. I hesitated, but something about it felt like a second chance. I applied just minutes before the deadline and got in. That opportunity reignited my drive. I struggled with concepts like the Business Model Canvas at first, but through mentorship and patient guidance, I gained clarity and skills I still use to this day. The Programme met me at a low point and gave me the tools to build again. For that, I am deeply grateful.” – Maureen Amakabane, 2017 TEF Alumni, Kenyan TEF Hub Lead, and Founder of USAFI Sanitation.
Discover more about TEF’s transformative impact here, explore our 2024 Annual Report here, and read success stories of TEF Alumni creating real change in their communities here.
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