The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) joined the United Nations and other global organisations to mark the International Youth Day on August 12 with a line-up of pan-African speakers discussing the theme, “Investing in Africa’s Future: Youth Empowerment through Entrepreneurship”.
The event emphasised the “Youth Engagement for Global Action” agenda and the role of African entrepreneurs in pushing for sustainable development. It also examined the critical role of the youth in igniting their potential, population, and influence to create mechanisms for sustainable development across the continent.
Moderated by TEF CEO Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, the event featured a line-up of pan-African entrepreneurs and speakers from the development sector.
Addressing the audience, Ugochukwu drew attention to the plight of startup African entrepreneurs during the pandemic while highlighting the importance of SMEs, especially during this period.
Ugochukwu emphasised the need to empower the youth to tackle the menace of poverty on the continent.
Acting Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Wambui Gichuri stated: “Entrepreneurship is an essential part of Africa’s employment challenge and it is where we have to put our focus as a multilateral development bank.”
Director of Human, Youth and Social Development (AfDB) Martha Phiri stated that the $5million partnership between AfDB and TEF in 2019 to empower additional young African entrepreneurs was a step in the right direction to create jobs on the continent.
Others who spoke include the Global President, AISEC, Alexandra Robinson and Chairman, World Youth Skills, Egypt Shoroke Zedan.
Founder, Wecyclers Nigeria and past fellow of the TEF Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola recalled the moment she got accepted into the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme:
“In 2012, when I was invited to the Tony Elumelu Foundation to pitch my idea, I was very fortunate to pitch directly to Mr. Elumelu and I was surprised a couple of days after, we got the grant. That grant was very important for Wecyclers,” she said.
The TEF had earlier in the year announced the postponement of its flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme and TEF Forum due to the coronavirus pandemic.
