LAGOS, Nigeria, October 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• 3rd ANNUAL TEF ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM HELD ON OCTOBER 13-14 IN LAGOS
• 1,300 AFRICAN SMEs, POLICYMAKERS, INCUBATORS FROM 54 COUNTRIES ATTENDED 

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa's leading philanthropy dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, concluded its 3^rd annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum on 14^th of October 2017 in Lagos.

The Forum hosted more than 1,300 participants from 54 African countries, making it the most diverse and inclusive gathering of African entrepreneurs on the continent.

During a powerful keynote speech, philanthropist, TEF Founder and Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Tony O. Elumelu, CON said:

"We have united the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, putting entrepreneurs at centre stage. I want to thank those heads of government and other key policymakers, who have supported our belief that the private sector is the engine for growth and are models of our philosophy of Africapitalism - the idea that business will drive change and that change must deliver economic and social wealth" he explained.

The two-day event, which involved plenary panels and masterclasses, allowed African entrepreneurs to network and connect with business leaders, policymakers and investors. 

Speakers discussed topics that educated, empowered and inspired the entrepreneurs, addressing the key stages needed to successfully launch a business.

Speakers included:

1. HE Aminu Bello Masari, Governor, Katsina, Nigeria
2. HE Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari, Governor, Zamfara, Nigeria
3. Mr. Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Benin
4. Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group
5. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group
6. Wale Ayeni, Senior Investment Office, International Finance Corporation
7. Stephen Tio Kauma, Director Human Resources, Afrexim Bank
8. Andre Hue, Deputy Country Director, Agence Française de Développement

Addressing the 3rd cohort of TEF entrepreneurs, the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said: "This generation of young people will do the exceptional. You are the reason Africa will work. The length and breadth of display of talent have shown that there is indeed hope".

Partnerships between the Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the French bilateral development bank, Agence Française De Développement (AFD) were announced during the event.

TEF partners including Microsoft, Sage One and Greentec also held training workshops and side events aimed at approaches to strategically scale up business. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has proudly supported the forum.

On Twitter: @TonyElumeluFDN www.tonyelumelufoundation.org

SOURCE The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)