Mr. Will Stevens, the United States Consul General in Lagos, praised the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) for its outstanding support of entrepreneurs. At a recent event hosted by the Foundation, which included key figures from the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on Africa Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE), Mr. Stevens expressed his commitment to continuing support for TEF’s initiatives. He highlighted the Foundation’s significant impact not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
Mr. Stevens remarked, “We are thrilled to support the Foundation, recognizing the remarkable work they are doing both in Nigeria and across the continent. We have been actively helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria by connecting them with international organizations that offer funding and advice. Nigerian women entrepreneurs are exceptional and a pleasure to work with.”
Ms. Chinenye Ogwumike, a PAC-ADE member, also spoke at the event, encouraging Nigerian women entrepreneurs to collaborate and support each other as a means to navigate the country’s challenging economic conditions. She urged them to remain persistent and seek out more opportunities to adapt and thrive in their businesses.
The event featured insights from TEF alumni on the opportunities and obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in Africa. Discussions focused on creating a supportive environment, improving access to capital, and the importance of mentorship in advancing women-led businesses. Participants also examined ways to enhance the impact of entrepreneurship on economic development, particularly through promoting gender equity.
