TheCable

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa, has announced the appointment of three women to senior executive roles, effective from February 1, 2021.

The three women appointed are: Somachi Chris-Asoluka as director of partnerships and communications; Titilope Akinola assumes the role as director of operations; and Nkem Onwudiwe joins TEF’s marketing and corporate communications team.

According to the statement by the foundation, Onwudiwe “brings formidable corporate experience, across digital marketing, content creation, public relations (PR) and strategy”.

Prior to their roles, Chris-Asoluka was head of policy and partnerships at the philanthropy organisation; and Akinola was head of TEFConnect, its digital networking platform for entrepreneurs.

Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, CEO of TEF, said: “We are extremely pleased with these appointments. It is particularly encouraging to see women at the forefront, demonstrating expertise in their fields and highlighting impeccable drive to succeed not just for their benefit but for ours, collectively, as Africans.

“With their proven track record, and enormous passion, I have no doubt that they will greatly impact the work that we do towards the development of Africa.”

TEF said the appointments follow the launch of its 2021 entrepreneurship programme, which this year prioritises economic recovery of small and medium scale enterprises and young African entrepreneurs, following the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TEF, which marked 10 years in 2020, has trained, mentored and funded over 9,000 young African entrepreneurs from 54 African countries, through its $100 million entrepreneurship programme, and provides capacity-building support, advisory and market linkages to over one million Africans through TEFConnect.