By 
A group of Zambian entrepreneurs has been selected to join the 12th cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, the foundation announced on Tuesday.
The announcement followed a ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, where 3,200 entrepreneurs from across Africa were introduced to the programme.
Selected Zambian entrepreneurs will receive US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, business management training through TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and access to a network of over 24,000 entrepreneurs across the continent.
Read more: Zambia must scale up entrepreneurship to match Africa’s economic needs —TEF
Read more: Zambia must scale up entrepreneurship to match Africa’s economic needs —TEF
Since the programme began, the foundation said about 427 Zambian participants had collectively generated US$9 million in annual revenue and created more than 30,700 direct and indirect jobs, according to the foundation.
The 2026 Zambian cohort includes businesses in agriculture, technology and innovation, healthcare, energy, food processing, and education. Women constitute the majority of the selected entrepreneurs, reflecting broader continental trends within the programme.
“These young innovators represent the future of our nation’s prosperity,” said Chinedu Obeta, managing director of UBA Zambia.
“Through our partnership with TEF, we are investing in dreams, supporting innovation, and building the foundation for a self-sustaining Zambian economy,” Obeta said.
According to the foundation, the Zambian government has implemented policies and funding mechanisms to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including youth empowerment funds, tax incentives for startups, and financing through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material,and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments