Nigerian Applicants dominate $100mn Elumelu Programme

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Elumelu Foundation has released the list of 1000 finalists for its US$100 million entrepreneurship programme. The list of finalists is dominated by applicants from Nigeria followed by Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana, according to ITwebafrica.

Announcing the finalists, the foundation said it received over 20,000 applications from across the continent out of which winners were selected from 52 countries in value adding sectors ranging from agriculture to education to fashion and ICT.

Founder, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, commented: “The selection of these 1000 entrepreneurs brings us closer to our ultimate goal – to drive Africa’s economic and social transformation from within and to radically intensify job creation in Africa. Though I have never met or spoken to any of the winners, I am confident that due to the rigorous criteria and selection process, these entrepreneurs are Africa’s hope for the future. I will continue to invest my experience, time, influence, and resources to see them succeed. I am embarking on this journey with these entrepreneurs hopeful and inspired.”

All five African regions – North, East, Southern, Central and West Africa are represented, as well as all major language blocs – Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic Africa. More than anything else, the foundation said they epitomise the opportunity and promise of Africa.

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The 1,000 selected entrepreneurs will continue through the programme cycle over the next nine months. This cycle includes an intensive online training curriculum, mentoring, and participation in a two-day entrepreneurship boot-camp and the Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum.