Harvard University adopts Elumelu Foundation as case study in curriculum

The Harvard Business School, the graduate business school of Harvard University, has adopted the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) as a case study in the institution’s curriculum.

The case study, the first of its kind on any philanthropic organisation in Africa, will be launched before a class of graduate students in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

The case study, according to a statement made available to The Star on Wednesday night, will explore the Foundation’s unique approaches and transformative initiatives, showcasing how strategic philanthropy offered by TEF is driving positive change and elevating countries and communities.

Speaking on the impact of the Foundation on African youths, Elumelu said: “TEF is creating economic hope and opportunity for African Entrepreneurs. We know that entrepreneurship is the antidote to poverty, youth unemployment and insecurity.

“Through the intervention of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are encouraging our young people, giving them hope through the seed capital we provide, capacitising them through the training and mentoring we provide and setting them up to create businesses that will succeed and create even more jobs. Collectively, we are fixing the challenges that we have on the continent.

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“The Tony Elumelu Foundation was set up to create more successful African business leaders. We want to replicate our own success and create entrepreneurs who will build more prosperity on the continent and for the continent.

“It’s all about transforming our society and making sure that we leave the society better than we met it. It is not about the money that we have in our bank accounts, it is about the legacy that we make and the impact we create. Prosperity for all is what will create the security, harmony and peace that we need.”

The Harvard Business School session will provide a platform for thought leaders, scholars, and business enthusiasts to engage in a meaningful discussion on the role of philanthropy in shaping sustainable and inclusive economies.

Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has trained over 1.5 million young Africans on its digital hub, TEFConnect.

It has also disbursed over $100 million in direct funding to 20,000 African youths, who have collectively created over 400,000 jobs.

The Star