Tag: European Union

  • Germany make move to legalize marijuana in the country

    Germany make move to legalize marijuana in the country

    The German government is making moves to legalize cannabis in the country, but the move will still undergo approval test at the European Union.

    The German cabinet has already approved the substance and others like tetrahydrocannabinol, removing it from drugs classified as narcotics.

    “The purchase and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis would be exempt from punishment.

    “Private cultivation would be permitted to a limited extent and sale to adults in ‘licensed specialist shops’ and possibly also pharmacies would be possible,” the plan stated.

    However, European rules on the handling of cannabis could stand in the way of legalisation in Germany.

    The international legal framework offers “limited options for implementing the coalition’s project,” according to the plan approved by the cabinet.

    In their coalition agreement, Scholz’s centre-left SPD, the Greens and the pro-business FDP had agreed to introduce “the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for consumption purposes in licensed shops.”

  • European Union should let Africa be – By Sonnie Ekwowusi

    European Union should let Africa be – By Sonnie Ekwowusi

    This week is crucial for the socio-economic and political development of Africa and her advancement of her strategic interests in the comity of nations. The African parliamentarians, Ambassadors, diplomats and Ministers of government (inclusive of Nigerian parliamentarians, Ambassadors, diplomats and Ministers) are meeting this week with their European counterparts in Maputo, Mozambique, to, inter alia, deliberate on how to get the 48 African Countries (Nigeria inclusive), 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific Countries to sign the controversial and devious agreement between the European Union and Africa-Caribbean and Pacific countries (EU-ACP Agreement, for short). The EU-ACP Agreement is intended to replace the controversial Cotonou Agreement of 2000. Therefore any African country that signs the EU-ACP Agreement has signed its death warrant. Why? Because the country has consented to legalization of lesbianism, homosexualism, transgenderism, queer behaviorism LGTBQ1+ socialization, gay marriage, population and human capital reduction on its soil. Sadly enough, the EU-ACP Agreement specifically targets African children for corruption and destruction. Therefore any African country that signs this Agreement is indirectly consenting that its children should be taught how to practice “safe”-sex, “safe”-abortion; how to do masturbation, kissing, hugging, penis touching, vagina touching and how to avoid getting pregnant through sterilization and so forth, all in the name of sex education or Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).

    Aside transgenderism and LGBT1+, the revised EU-ACP Agreement, which in actual fact is in form of a treaty, includes new obligations on abortion rights and teen safe-sexual rights. The Agreement is deceptively aimed at advancing the European Union’s abortion, sex education and LGBT agenda for Africa. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of the Agreement is that it overrides the Constitutions and sovereignties of African countries. For example, in contrast to Monroe doctrine, Nigeria operates the Dualist doctrine. By virtue of section 12 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution a signed treaty does not have the force of law in Nigeria without ratification and domestication by the National Assembly. But the EU-ACP treaty trade Agreement has been craftily worded in such a way that it purportedly automatically binds a country which has signed it. Therefore the EU-ACP Agreement threatens to undermine national sovereignty of countries that are parties to the Agreement. It is targeted at overriding the domestic laws and constitutions of African countries. To that effect, there is a major decision-making body created by the EU-ACP treaty which is empowered to ensure that the Agreement is binding on the African countries that had signed it. The Agreement is deceptively designed to increase the EU’s power to impact the laws and policies of African countries.

    The transgender movement is the effort to distort the basic anthropological assumptions about the human person. Transgenderism denies the biological basis of manhood and womanhood. Transgenderism is anti-God as much as it is anti-nature. It is anti-human. Transgenderism originated in the radical feminist work which started after World War II. The founding mother of radical feminism is French thinker called Simone de Beauvoir. She is the author of the book entitled: The Second Sex. The book was published in 1953. This strange woman started her book with this query: ‘What is a woman?’ Her answer to this query led to the formulation of the contemporary feminist thought. For example, she scribbled in her book that it is society, not God, that determines who is a man or a woman. In other words, gender is purely a social construct not a biological construct. That is, despite one’s biological sex, the society has a final say in defining who is a man or who is a woman. Gender is in constant flux. You can decide to be a man today and tomorrow decide to be a woman. Scientifically speaking, the concept of changing one’s biological sex through transgenderism is arrant nonsense. One’s sex is determined by inalterable chromosomes. So whereas an individual cam change his hormone levels and undergo surgery to a better physical imitation of the opposite sex, the individual cannot change his male or female chromosomes. A person born a male remains a male from the day of his conception till the moment of death. Conversely, a person born a female will remain a female from her conception till the moment of death. So, persons suffering from gender dysphonia or intersex disorders are sick. Besides having pity on them, we should take them to the psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and psychologists for treatment.

    Therefore the African Parliamentarians, Ambassadors and Ministers (and their Nigerian counterparts) attending the Maputo Assembly this week are respectfully urged to reject in toto the devious and deceptively-crafted EU-ACP Agreement. International law binds upon consensus of nations. The so-called teen “sexual rights”, transgender rights, abortion rights and LGBT1+ provisions in the EU-ACP treaty Agreement which the EU is trying to force down the throats of the 48 African countries (Nigeria inclusive) in Maputo has never been agreed upon by nations in any international human rights instrument or other consensus document. In other words, there is no consensus among nations accepting it as a binding international law. More importantly, the EU-ACP Agreement has no regard for the cultural, religious and philosophical convictions of the African people.

    The consensus reached at the various United Nations Conferences, is that the law passed in every developing county including Nigeria must reflect the diverse social, economic and environmental conditions of that country, with full respect for their religious, cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions. LGTBQ1+ contained in the Agreement is illegal in Nigeria. In fact, the very notion of same-sex cohabitation or “marriage” is abhorrent to Nigerian sensibilities. Above all, it is a complete break with African civilization. We must stick to our own values and traditions. It is suicidal to import practices and lifestyles which are alien to Nigeria and seek to impose them as laws all in the name of observing international obligations. It is obvious that the EU has no respect for the religious and philosophical convictions of the African people and Nigerian people. Therefore it lacks the locus standi to seek to impose on African countries aberrations that are alien to the lifestyle of the African people. Laws are made in consonance with the values of a people. Every country is interested in protecting what it holds dear or its cherished values. LGTB1+ is not our value. Transgenderism is not our tradition.

    The EU should let Africa be Africa again. Down with cultural imperialism!. A time has come for African leaders to assert their independence. A time has come for them to call bluff all these unnecessary neo-colonialist external interferences in Africa’s domestic affairs. Independent African States have a right to govern themselves. Nigeria has a right to govern herself as an independent sovereign State. She is not bound to accept the interpretation of international law adopted by other States especially when it doesn’t accord with her aspirations and objectives. In behaving like this, Nigeria is not violating her international obligation; instead, she is merely exercising her right as an independent sovereign: it is the right of the people of every country to make laws for themselves in accordance with their respective Constitutions. In fact, many countries no longer treat international law as a rigid and imperative code of conduct. The binding nature of international law is a matter of consent of sovereign States. In other words, international law only binds upon consent of sovereign nations, not upon pressure or intimidation from the EU.

    What we are witnessing today is the collapse of western civilization. It is true that despite gaining political independence or what some dub flag independence, some independent African States are still helplessly living under the strong economic, political and cultural influence of their former colonial masters. But that shouldn’t give room for any Afro-pessimism. Despite the seemingly irreversible cataclysm that trails Africa it will rise again to occupy its rightful position in the world. Eurocentrism shall give way to Afrocentrism.

  • Beauty enthusiast, Lipgloss Boy lands ambassadorial deal with EU

    Beauty enthusiast, Lipgloss Boy lands ambassadorial deal with EU

    Nigerian-born lifestyle and beauty enthusiast, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, popularly known as Lipgloss Boy, has secured a deal to become the EU-Africa ambassador for the European Union, EU.

    According to him, it is an opportunity to serve, support charities and work with an organization such as @EUinNigeria that supports individuals and communities.

    The socialite, known famous for his comedy skits, took to his Twitter page to share the news with his fans.

    He wrote: “Super excited and honoured to announce my role with the European Union as the EU-Africa ambassador. This is an opportunity to serve, support charities, and work with an organization such as @euinnigeria that supports individuals and communities. I am indeed honoured and grateful and hopeful that this opens doors not just for me but for many others.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Adeoluwa is a writer, a public speaker, art director, media and communications specialist.

    He believes African millennials and generation are going to lead a tremendous impact on society and the world at large and takes keen interest to be a part of this impact.

    Adeoluwa has become one of Nigeria’s most popular influencers. He has done so by challenging notions of masculinity in his videos, which offer makeup, skincare and fashion advice for men. Enioluwa’s success, in a country as conservative and homophobic as Nigeria, is impressive and unprecedented.

    It all began when Enioluwa posted a video of himself on Instagram applying lip gloss in November 2020. The video quickly went viral. Today, Lipgloss Boy has over 335,000 followers on Instagram, more than 376,000 followers on TikTok, a late-night show, and he has worked with major international beauty companies.

    The 23-year-old is currently completing a marketing masters degree in Lagos and also works as a content creator for a fintech company. He grew up with five siblings in a Christian family which he described as a “beauty experience”. Enioluwa told us that he was grateful for how open-minded his family has been – a luxury in a traditionalist country like Nigeria.

  • 2023 Election : EU launches €39 million for SDGN programme

    2023 Election : EU launches €39 million for SDGN programme

    Ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, the European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment in launching, on Sept. 12, the sum of 39 million Euros towards the EU-Support Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU- SDGN).

    The bloc made the commitment in a statement issued by its delegation on Saturday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    It stated that in supporting Nigeria’s electoral process the bloc has launched, on Sept. 12, a programme aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the country.

    According to the statement, the bloc’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, says the programme tagged EU-SDGN Phase II, is a €39m initiative.

    “Funded under the EU’s Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument, over a five-year period.

    “The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to foster a functioning pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria. Inclusive, participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a strong democracy.

    “Ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.

    “The EU continues to partner with Nigeria in the on-going reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of all Nigerians.

    “For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from media to civil society,” said Isopi.

    She added that the project would be anchored on the priorities identified by the Nigerian government, saying it builds on the lessons learned from the implementation of Phase I of the programme from (2017-2022).

    She said that the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission were made after the 2019 General Election as well as those of the EU Election Follow-up Mission to Nigeria, more specifically, it would focus on six thematic areas of support:

    “Improve the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria. Strengthen capacities for legislative and judicial reform in compliance with democratic principles and standards.

    “Enhance pluralism, internal democracy and equality of opportunity in the political parties and the political party system.

    “Empower Media, including new media, to promote fair and ethical coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech and disinformation.

    “Enhance participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in the political process.

    “Then lastly, empower civil society organisations and relevant agencies to demand greater transparency and accountability in the electoral and decision making process, and promote greater citizens’ participation,” she said.

  • Youths in Abuja defy torrential rain to get PVCs

    Youths in Abuja defy torrential rain to get PVCs

    Youths in the FCT defied torrential rainfall on Tuesday to register for voter cards at the open air Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

    The ongoing open-air Permanent Voter Cards registration was organised by the INEC, the European Union and civil society organisations.

    The open air PVC registration was part of activities preceding the “Youth Vote Count 2.0 Mega Concert’’ to hold on June 25 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

    Miss Rosemary Okereke, a youth who spoke with NAN commended the initiative.

    “What actually brought me here is to transfer my PVC from my state to Abuja to enable me to vote.

    “The organisers really tried; they did their best; it is just that the crowd outnumbered them initially.

    “Most of us got the information on Twitter, so my advice for other people out there is that this is real.

    Mr Sor Orduen, a youth, also told NAN that the process was hectic.

    “It is worth the effort, so what I am telling youths is to get the voter card.

    “I am very sure with this, we can change the government to the one that will favour us,’’ he said.

    Miss Sandra Edeh, a youth corps member commended the organisers for the initiative to help youths to collect the PVCs.

    Earlier, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for FCT, Yahaya Bello, said the commission deployed more than 50 registration machines and 150 personnel for the exercise.

  • 2023: INEC, EU organize music concert to sensitize Nigerian youths on PVC

    In a bid to sensitize the youths to get their permanent Voter’s card, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in conjuction with European Union (EU) organized a concert in Lagos.

    Nigerian popstars Tuface, Omawunmi ,Waje and many others thrilled fans to a fun-filled  time at the political concert held at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on Saturday the 11th of June.

    The event tagged, ‘Youth Vote Count 2.0 Mega concert’, is to create awareness for the eligible youth to get their Voter’s card and vote for the candidate of their choice in the general elections.

    The Tafawa Balewa Square venue of the concert was filled to the brim with youths singing and vibing to songs from the  artistes.

     

    A video of Waje’s performance at the event was shared on Twitter via the INEC official page.

    The video was captioned, “@OfficialWaje using her power #VOICE to entertain the mammoth youth who turned up for the ongoing #YouthVoteCount2 in Lagos.”

    Omawumi also thrilled the crowd as she performed her popular hit track, “If You Ask Me”.

    Na who you go ask if you no register to VOTE. @Omawumi using her strong VOICE to encourage the Mammoth Youth to get registered to VOTE at the ongoing #YouthVoteCount2 in Lagos,” INEC wrote on its official page.

    Pictures also revealed that the youths defied the rain to attend the star-studded event.

    Some celebrities who attended the event include Falz, Mr Macaroni, Real Warri Pikin, Broda Shaggi, MI Abaga, and a plethora of many others.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu; Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje; and other members of the commission were present at the concert.Nigerian

  • World Environment Day: FG collaborate EU to clean up Jabi Lake

    To commemorate World Environment Day (WED), the Federal Government in collaboration with the European Union (EU) is effectively cleaning up Jabi Lake, to ensure a healthy and safe environment in the FCT.

    The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi,  whos supervised the walk and exercise, alongside  some EU officials on Saturday in Abuja, stated that the exercise was to commemorate (WED), with a theme: “#OnlyOneEarth’ Together We can Protect it.’’

    Newsmen reports that the WED has been held annually on June 5 since 1973.

    The WED is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

    The WED is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world; this year WED will be hosted by Sweden.

    Representing the minister was the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the ministry, Mr Stanley Jonah.

    Abdullahi said that the aim of the exercise was to create some level of awareness by educating people on the dangers of not keeping the environment clean.

    According to him, “we also want to educate people on the dangers of polluting our environment and how such can lead to climate change, biodiversity and other negative effects”.

    “The theme is simple, apart from this one earth, I don’t think we have another, so if we don’t have another earth elsewhere, then we should ensure that this planet is protected.

    “So that we can have a place where we can co-exist, a place that is habitable for us.

    “Whatever thing that can be humanly done through policies and other possible measures to ensure that this earth is habitable without delay, such effort should be put in place.

    “Our environment 50 years ago is still ravaging, Nigerians are not exclusive in this act, the environmental challenges are obvious in market places, schools, offices, sea everywhere,’’ he said.

    The minister thanked the EU officials and other developed countries for their collaboration and immense support to ensure that the environment was healthy and safe.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuela Isopi, said the collaboration with the Federal Government was part of an effort to commemorate World Environment Day (WED).

    “As you may know, the WED will be celebrated tomorrow all over the world, yet we decided to start earlier with this symbolic walk toward one of the most popular places in the FCT.

    “In this recreational park, I know that a lot of sports are practised everyday in this place and even some come here before heading to work.

    “Overall, this place is a full ecosystem likewise, every ecosystem needs to be preserved. It is obvious that the more crowded it will get, the more effort needs to be done to address it.

    “Here it is our air, our water and our plant life that is put in danger,’’ she said.

    Isopi called on FCT residents to ensure that the Lake was kept clean and healthy, for its sustainability and safety of people.

    She expressed worries over indiscriminate waste, especially plastic, adding that such would be a major threat, if not properly managed.

    “For instance, I know that fishermen are exploiting the lake for their subsistence.

    “We can therefore support them by ensuring that we desist from such attitudes that can create an unhealthy environment.

    “Today the campaign aims at cleaning this part of the lake, but I know that many Nigerians are actively working against indiscriminate dumping of waste.

    “So, let us think together on how we can make it work for a better tomorrow.

  • Nigeria, EU partner to address instability in Niger Delta

    Mr Milland Dikio, the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), says the programme is partnering with the European Union (EU) to address the causes of instability in the Niger Delta.

    Dikio stated this when the Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

    Newsmen reports that the Ambassador was represented by Mr Thomas Kieler, Head of Political affairs, EU.
    Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Dikio said that part of the meeting was to find a lasting solution to the issue of instability in the Niger Delta region.

    According to him, there is relatively peace in the region at the moment.
    “We are doing everything possible to ensure that peace remains among the citizens.
    “We want to collaborate with the EU in addressing the root causes of instability in the region.

    “The framework for doing that is to focus on the young people ages between 12 to 18 years,” he said.
    He expressed the belief that giving them a new outlook of life would stem the tide that leads to deviate behaviour in the region.

    “We are using what is called heart and mind to conflict resolution. We don’t believe in every problem needs nail and hammer to solve them. We are in peace with our people now.

    “We listen to their problems and proffers solutions to them. We do not meet all their problems but we are pointing other ways to ensure they express their grievance to the right channels, ” he said.

    On her part, Isopi said that EU had been offering a long standing partnership in the Niger Delta region since 2008, 2009.

    “We have been active in that region with big development projects and programme such as the Niger Delta Support Programme (NASP). We have invested 250 million euros in the region.
    “There are other projects but essentially, those projects are coming to an end but we will like to keep our focus on the Niger delta to address the current situation and assist the local areas, the local population towards prosperity development.

    “That’s why we are here today to discuss with them on how we might support them in the future. That was the basis of our discussion today.
    “We agreed with the current assessment on the need to address root causes and the underlying issues in the region,” she said.

  • European Union Launches Young African Leaders Programme

    European Union Launches Young African Leaders Programme

    The European Union (EU) in partnership with the EUI’s School of Transnational Governance has launched the Young African Leaders Programme, a three-month fully-funded fellowship that will take place in Florence, Italy, between September and November 2021.

    According to a notice issued on Friday (March 12) by the Administrator – Thematic Programmes Delegation of the EU to Nigeria & ECOWAS, it is a pilot programme that provides a unique opportunity for policy professionals from Africa to further develop their competencies and skills in an international environment amidst scholars and practitioners.

    The programme is open to African civil servants, journalists, entrepreneurs and NGO practitioners with a keen interest in and commitment to transnational policy issues and programmes relevant to African countries, including green transition, trade and regional governance, gender, digital technology and sustainability.

    The Programme targets mid-career, high potential policy-makers, diplomats, and professionals from Africa, working in national and local authorities, regional, continental, international organisations and development partners, civil society organisations, academia, media and the private sector in Africa.

    It is open to young female and male professionals, mid-career and executives alike, who are nationals of African countries, residing in Africa and are under the age of forty-five.

    In the dynamic academic environment of the European University Institute in Florence, selected participants will take part in workshops, training and skills development sessions, conferences, study visits and field trips in Europe. Interaction with the other fellows, policy-makers and the academic community at the EUI will make this a truly unforgettable experience.

    The three-month leadership programme will take place between September and November 2021 and places are fully-funded with a grant of €2,500 per month. The African experts are expected to live in the area of Florence for the duration of their stay. The language of the programme is English.

    Further information on the programme is available at https://stg.eui.eu/africanleaders?msdynttrid=07e9Tf9h7davYtlXmvKYy8cXvwe3zGea2Xav_ZJ3hW4. Deadline for application is the 31st of March 2021

  • Tony Elumelu Foundation, European Union Partner to Transform Economic Empowerment of African Women

    Tony Elumelu Foundation, European Union Partner to Transform Economic Empowerment of African Women

    • European Union joins growing list of international TEF partners driving entrepreneurship development
    • Joint partnership to empower 2,500 women from 54 African countries

    The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy committed to empowering young African entrepreneurs, has announced a partnership with the European Union to identify, train, mentor and fund 2,500 young African women entrepreneurs in 2021. The partnership will disburse €20 million in financial and technical support for women-owned businesses, across all 54 African countries, in addition to providing increased access to market linkages, supply chains and venture capital investments.

    The joint initiative will significantly strengthen and deepen the EU-Africa partnership, builds on the platform and experience of the US$100m TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, and forms part of the EU External Investment Plan to support women economic empowerment within the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III).

    Commenting on the landmark partnership, Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation said “We are delighted to partner with the European Union, sharing our unique ability to identify, train, mentor and fund young entrepreneurs across Africa. This joint effort will prioritise and provide economic opportunities for African women, whom for too long have endured systemic obstacles to starting, growing and sustaining their businesses. Our partnership will alleviate the funding, knowledge and market constraints threatening the livelihoods of women entrepreneurs on the continent, to create more income, jobs, growth and scale for women-owned businesses.”

    The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said “This partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation will help women participants in economic development, realise their full potential and accelerate economic inclusion. Empowering women entrepreneurs is a key driver for sustainable jobs and growth, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the objectives of our African Strategy. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and they deserve equal opportunities.”

    The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which marks ten years of impact this year, is empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation across all 54 African countries. The Foundation has trained, mentored and funded nearly 10,000 young African entrepreneurs from 54 African countries, and continues to provide capacity-building support, advisory and market linkages to over 1 million Africans through its digital networking platform, TEFConnect.

    TEF’s female success stories include Joyce Awojoodu, from Nigeria, who launched a luxury botanically based product line and spa clinic in Lagos, in 2015. The brand ORÍKÌ, caters to both men and women, and strictly uses raw materials and natural ingredients from Africa. Awojoodu’s favourite element of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme was the mentorship, which she described as “phenomenal”’ and “invaluable” for ORÍKÌ. In her own words, “each Tef Entrepreneur was assigned a mentor and I could not have asked for a better one. TEF connected us. Now the mentorship continues, and I know I will always have an ear to share my thoughts about the business with a person who can also offer advice”.

    Mavis Mduchwa, an agribusiness entrepreneur from Botswana, founded Chabana Farms, a poultry farm providing training and work for unemployed young people. Even though agriculture accounts for 32% of Africa’s gross domestic product, landownership and access to land remains a significant challenge for many farmers, especially women. According to Mduchwa, “in Botswana, about 80% of people survive on agriculture, and many of them are women. But, if as a women you want to turn it into a business, you have a challenge of finding land.” Mduchwa has used the seed capital and training from TEF to significantly expand her operations.

    The Tony Elumelu Foundation and the European Commission are proud to partner to unlock the dynamic potential of African women entrepreneurs, directly catalysing African’s economic growth and contributing to Africa’s prosperity and social development. The programme co-funded by the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific State (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will further scale the Foundation’s efforts in directly addressing some of the most endemic challenges to African start-ups – skills and capacity gaps, financial constraints and lack of access to mentoring, networks and market linkages.

    Following completion of the programme, the entrepreneurs will stay connected to partners and to each other through their lifetime membership on TEFConnect. TEF has set up Country Chapters in 54 African countries to support the entrepreneurs as they grow and expand their businesses.