$100m Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme reveals 1k finalists

Hailing from across all corners of the continent, and over 20 000 applications later, the finalists for the US$100-million Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) have been announced.

The 1 000 chosen entrepreneurs have been chosen to become part of Elumelu’s vision of creating 10-billion jobs within the next 10 years across the continent. Ranging from a range of different industries, from agriculture to ICT and manufacturing, Elumelu says that these sectors are critical for job-creation.

“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,” Elumelu said in a press statement. He elaborated on his commitment to promote and inspire the finalists as well as others around the continent:

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.

Read more: $100m Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is calling for applications

Nigeria makes up for most of the finalists, with more than 50% coming from the emerging West African giant. It’s followed by Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Senegal:

• Nigeria – 537 (54%)
• Kenya – 167 (17%)
• Uganda – 45 (5%)
• Ghana – 36 (4%)
• South Africa – 31 (3%)
• Senegal – 5 (1%)

Furthermore, 80 of the entrepreneurs fall under the ICT category while those involved in agriculture make up most of the applicants at 297. The second and third most popular categories were Education and Training and Manufacturing, clocking in a total of 158. Only two entrepreneurs fall into the Textile category.

The 1 000 selected entrepreneurs will continue through the programme cycle over the next nine months. This cycle includes an intensive online training curriculum, mentoring, and participation in a two-day entrepreneurship boot-camp and the Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum.

The over 19 000 entrepreneurs who were not selected will be invited to join the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Network where they will be able to further hone their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

To view the full list of finalists, click here.