Deloitte, TEF Support African Entrepreneurs With $131,000 Support
Deloitte has deepened its partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to empower African entrepreneurs, providing 100 experienced mentors and contributing $36,000 in technical expertise to support TEF beneficiaries.
This initiative builds on Deloitte’s initial $95,000 investment in 2022, bringing the total support to $131,000.
According to a statement seen by THE WHISTLER, the renewed collaboration will strengthen TEF’s mentorship framework, equipping entrepreneurs with expertise in business strategy, financial management, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.
By leveraging TEF’s extensive entrepreneurial network and Deloitte’s global expertise, the initiative aims to accelerate business growth, job creation, and economic transformation across the continent.
Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte Africa, Ashleigh Theophanides emphasized Deloitte’s belief that entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving economic transformation and fostering inclusive growth across Africa.
She highlighted that through the initiative, Deloitte remains committed to providing African entrepreneurs with essential skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
“At Deloitte, we believe entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic transformation and inclusive growth across the continent,” said Theophanides.
“Through our WorldClass initiative, we are committed to equipping African entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and networks they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Fatai Folarin emphasized the impact of the partnership, stating: “Empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation in Africa.
“Our continued support—through mentorship and technical expertise—is a direct investment in the future of African entrepreneurship.”
He noted that the partnership is part of Deloitte’s global WorldClass program, which aims to positively impact 100 million lives by 2030, with a commitment to supporting 14 million lives in Africa through entrepreneurship, education, and agriculture.
The CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Somachi Chris-Asoluka highlighted the significance of mentorship in entrepreneurial success.
“While funding is critical, mentorship and skills development are the true differentiators between a struggling entrepreneur and a thriving business leader,” she said.
“Through this partnership, Deloitte is strengthening our commitment to equipping Africa’s entrepreneurs with world-class knowledge, strategic insights, and expert mentorship—ensuring they do not just survive but scale and succeed.”
Deloitte and TEF called on stakeholders, policymakers, and business leaders to support initiatives that drive entrepreneurship and economic growth across Africa.
Deloitte, TEF Support African Entrepreneurs With $131,000 Support is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
