It's time for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum (TEF Forum, 2017)

Obasa Olorunfemi
Aug 22, 2017 · 4 min read

So by now, the TEF people would have branded me their unofficial noise-maker person. You know that person who always makes noise even though nobody sent him on errand? ehen that person. In my head sha, I am TEF brand ambassador. Is it your head? looool!

Mrs. Parmindir Vir addressing the Tony Elumelu Foundation Class of 2016.

Okay, enough goofing around. It's time for the the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum (TEF Forum, 2017). I already wrote about my experience in 2016 here, my story a year later here and this is just to remind all our 2017 juniors (yes, we are now seniors, *carrying shoulders up* lol) to register for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum (TEF Forum, 2017). I have registered (as an alumni) and I understand there are just 200 slots this year for all the attendees. (as seniors, we will be catching late comers at the gate).

(Psst! Mrs. Owen Omogiafo; COO, Tony Elumelu Foundation wrote this part.)

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum (TEF Forum, 2017) will take place in Lagos (Details in your email). Now in its third year the TEF Forum is the broadest, Pan-African gathering of African entrepreneurs on the continent and attracts policy makers, business leaders, academics and other prominent individuals, who are interested in driving the development of Africa through entrepreneurship and the adoption of our founder’s economic philosophy, Africapitalism.

The TEF Forum, 2017 has been expanded to include the 2017 cohort of Entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, policy makers, Developmental Finance Institutions and TEF Alumni in attendance. In a bid to add greater value to the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme for both our current and future Entrepreneurs, we will be providing ALL entrepreneurs with complimentary room and board, but you have been granted freedom to stay in another location of choice in Lagos which will be at your own expense. You shall, however, be expected to fund all your travel expenses to and from Lagos, Nigeria.

With the expanded list of participants, our programme of events and going by the success of the TEF Forum, 2016, we believe that you shall gain valuable insights, expand your network and have huge opportunities that will further your business plan. Registration closes on 15th September 2017.

Then I continued writing from here.

To register; check your email (you have to be TEF class of 2017 or alumni to get the email at all). The event is strictly by invitation so if you think you can just waltz in by reading this post, Uncle/ Aunty, dont bother. Issa one-chance. This isn’t a written requirement but NETWORK, NETWORK and just when you think you have done enough, NETWORK some more. The TEF conference has entrepreneurs from all 54 countries in Africa in one place at a time and that is ah-mazing! No, I do not think anyone has ever been able to manage such a feat.

So what should you come with?

  1. Your invitation confirmation sent to you via email. You can print it out if you like alongside your TEF number.
  2. Your transport fare; to and fro multiplied by 1.5. That means if your fare is N5,000 to and fro. You should have about N7,500 on your person. Reason: Anything can happen and fares can be jerked up for any reason in lagos from a gut feeling to hurricane Irma. *rolling my eyes at NURTW et al*
  3. Misc. expenses: You will not be allowed to go out of the premises (for security reasons) where the conference will hold, food will also be provided for free (breakfast, lunch and dinner) so also accommodation so you may not need to buy anything. There also would not be anybody selling anything. The only things you may need to buy would be airtime and data.
  4. Come with a power extension, power adapter and a power bank. You will need it (I never travel without them). Toiletries, clothes and add a sweater if you are always cold like me. (Ladies, it's just 2 Nights so chill on the packing. You are not going to your husband’s house). Books/ Jotter/ Diary, cameras/ laptops are at your own risk. Finally, business cards (if you have).

P.S: For those coming from outside lagos/ Nigeria, Please read and understand the terms and conditions from TEF (to be sent via email) as per your expenses, refunds (if any), et al.

If you are coming, let's meet and hangout to discuss the future of Africa. I am Obasa Olorunfemi on Facebook, Instagam and Twitter. Till then, where is my startup headed now? Read about Wakafire Photography here.

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Obasa Olorunfemi

Written by

Positively Ambitious, eternally optimistic and doesn't know when to give up.

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