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Tony Elumelu Foundation Completes Empowerment of the 2026 Cohort Successfully

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Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu Foundation 2026 cohort empowerment sees 3,200 young Africans selected for funding, mentorship and training support

The Tony O. Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a leading African philanthropy based in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, announced the selection of its 12th cohort under the flagship entrepreneurship programme, confirming plans to empower 3,200 young entrepreneurs across the continent under the Tony Elumelu Foundation 2026 cohort empowerment initiative.

Also read: Again, Billionaire Businessman, Tony Elumelu, Expands His Coast

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s long-running intervention aimed at supporting African-led enterprise through funding, training and mentorship. The 2026 cohort was drawn from a highly competitive pool of more than 265,000 applicants across all 54 African countries, reflecting both the scale of demand and the growing urgency for economic opportunity among young people.

The Foundation, established by Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., has continued to position entrepreneurship as a central pillar of Africa’s economic transformation. According to programme details, the selected entrepreneurs will receive seed capital of $5,000 each, alongside structured business training via TEFConnect, personalised mentorship, and access to a global investor network.

A spokesperson for the Foundation described the selection process as rigorous and independently conducted by Ernst & Young, underscoring its commitment to transparency and credibility. The Tony Elumelu Foundation 2026 cohort empowerment scheme also extends beyond the flagship programme, with additional beneficiaries supported through partnerships with international development organisations and private sector institutions.

Collectively, the initiative is expected to reinforce job creation and business expansion across multiple sectors, with the Foundation maintaining that entrepreneurship remains a powerful and sustainable route to tackling unemployment and poverty on the continent.

Tony O. Elumelu, speaking ahead of the announcement, reaffirmed the Foundation’s vision of a self-reliant Africa driven by innovative entrepreneurs, stressing that the impact of the programme continues to grow year after year.

Also read: Tony Elumelu Demands Action to Unlock Africa’s Economic Potential

The latest cohort will join an alumni network of more than 24,000 entrepreneurs who have benefited from the programme since inception, further strengthening what has become one of Africa’s most recognised private-sector-led empowerment platforms.

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XM Future Music Group Investment Platform Allegedly Collapses, Users Lose Funds

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Nigerian investment platform XM Future Music Group collapses amid concerns leaves users unable to withdraw funds amid concerns over suspected Ponzi scheme promising high returns

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group Signs $300 million Deal With Accor to Develop Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group has signed a letter of intent with Accor, a world leading hospitality group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

The signing took place during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 hosted jointly by Kenya and France in Nairobi.

This ambitious partnership is set to make a significant contribution to the evolving Nigerian hospitality landscape with a substantial investment from Shoreline of $300 million, leveraging Accor’s renowned brand portfolio and expertise.

As gathered the strategic collaboration aims to develop a hotel network across Nigeria, encompassing 10 hotels across eight cities and over 1,200 rooms by 2030.

These properties will span various segments, from midscale to luxury, catering to diverse travelers and contributing significantly to the nation’s tourism growth. The project also includes the establishment of a dedicated hospitality training Academy to nurture local talent and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs.

Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Shoreline Group to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector. This partnership is a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s dynamic future.

“By combining Shoreline’s deep understanding of the local market with Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio, we are poised to create an unparalleled hospitality offering that will set new benchmarks for quality and service.

“Crucially, the establishment of the Accor Academy is integral to this vision, enabling us to deliver immediate talent development for the Shoreline hotel portfolio, demonstrate our long-term commitment to Nigeria through dedicated training facilities, and solidify Accor’s position as the employer and educator of choice in West Africa.”

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland and  Chairman of Shoreline Group, Karim,  commenting on the development said: “This partnership is central to Shoreline’s strategy of building institutional-quality infrastructure platforms across Africa.

“We anticipate hospitality infrastructure becoming increasingly vital for capital movement and development, particularly in Nigeria where high-quality room supply is underserved. Our choice to partner with Accor highlights our focus on operational excellence and long-term value.

“The hospitality academy is crucial, alongside physical hotels, for developing local talent to sustain international standards. It will support our portfolio and enhance Nigeria’s hospitality workforce.

“This investment aligns with Shoreline’s broader focus on strategic assets in energy, infrastructure, and industrial development. We view hospitality as a natural extension: real infrastructure supporting economic activity, local capability, and national growth.”

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FLYGABON Launches Lagos Flights to Boost African Travel

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FLYGABON Lagos flight operations launch as Gabon’s airline expands to Nigeria, boosting African connectivity with faster routes and new travel options

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