By Amin Kef Sesay

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is set to officially unveil its 2026 cohort of young African entrepreneurs on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following a high-level virtual media parley held on Saturday, March 21. The engagement, hosted via Zoom, was led by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, who provided key insights into this year’s selection process, programme impact, and the broader vision for entrepreneurship development across Africa.

Welcoming journalists from across the continent, Chris-Asoluka described the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme as a transformative platform that continues to unlock opportunities for young Africans, enabling them to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

She revealed that the 2026 cohort comprises approximately 3,200 entrepreneurs selected from an impressive pool of over 265,000 applicants across Africa. According to her, the overwhelming number of applications underscores both the rising entrepreneurial drive among African youth and the persistent financing gap that continues to limit the growth of small and medium enterprises on the continent.

“This level of interest shows that Africa is rich in ideas and innovation,” she stated. “But it also highlights the urgent need for more support systems and investments to empower these entrepreneurs to succeed.”

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, founded in 2015 by renowned African business leader Tony O. Elumelu, provides beneficiaries with $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, business training, mentorship, and access to a vast network of entrepreneurs and investors. Over the years, the Foundation has trained millions, funded tens of thousands of businesses, and supported job creation across multiple sectors, positioning itself as a leading force in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Chris-Asoluka emphasized that the Foundation’s impact goes beyond financial assistance, focusing on building long-term capacity and fostering an enabling environment for innovation. She noted that strategic partnerships with governments, development institutions, and private sector players have significantly expanded the programme’s reach and effectiveness.

The interactive session also offered journalists the opportunity to engage directly with the CEO, with questions ranging from regional inclusion to sectoral priorities and future expansion plans.

Among the contributors was Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, who raised critical questions regarding Sierra Leone’s participation in the programme. He sought clarity on the number of beneficiaries from Sierra Leone and the sectors they represent, as well as whether there are plans to increase support or investment in smaller markets like Sierra Leone. He further inquired about opportunities for Sierra Leonean media to amplify the success stories emerging from the TEF initiative.

Responding to these questions, Chris-Asoluka reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity across all African countries, noting that beneficiaries are selected through a merit-based and transparent process. While she did not provide specific figures for Sierra Leone during the session, she assured that entrepreneurs from smaller markets are well represented and span diverse sectors such as agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, and renewable energy.

She further disclosed that the Foundation is actively exploring ways to deepen its impact in underserved markets, including strengthening partnerships that will enable increased funding, training, and visibility for entrepreneurs in countries like Sierra Leone.

On the role of the media, the CEO underscored the importance of collaboration with journalists and media institutions across Africa. She encouraged Sierra Leonean media practitioners to actively engage with TEF in telling authentic and compelling stories of entrepreneurial success.

“The media is a powerful partner in shaping narratives,” she said. “By amplifying these stories, you not only celebrate innovation but also inspire others and attract investment into local ecosystems.”

The question-and-answer session, which climaxed the event, was widely described as insightful and engaging, reflecting the growing interest of African media in entrepreneurship and development issues.

Industry observers note that the TEF programme continues to play a vital role in addressing youth unemployment and fostering inclusive economic growth across Africa. With thousands of new entrepreneurs set to be unveiled, the 2026 cohort is expected to introduce innovative solutions capable of driving progress in key sectors critical to the continent’s future.

As anticipation builds ahead of the official announcement, the Tony Elumelu Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to empower African entrepreneurs and transform the continent through entrepreneurship, reinforcing the belief that Africa’s greatest resource lies in the potential of its people.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/tony-elumelu-foundation-set-to-unveil-2026-cohort-on-sunday-as-ceo-somachi-chris-asoluka-engages-african-media/