Heirs Energies has announced a commitment of over $10 million to support 2,000 African entrepreneurs through its ongoing partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aiming to stimulate enterprise growth and job creation across the continent.
The 2026 cohort of the TEF programme includes 3,200 entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, selected from over 265,000 applicants. The cohort was unveiled in Abuja on Sunday by TEF founder and chairman, Tony Elumelu.
Speaking at the event, Elumelu emphasised that Africa’s future will be shaped by entrepreneurs who create businesses, generate jobs, and solve the continent’s challenges. He stressed that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to economic transformation.
According to Heirs Energies, its support forms part of a broader strategy to link energy development with economic expansion, particularly in areas where access to capital, infrastructure, and opportunities remains uneven.
Osayande Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, said, “Sustainable energy development must be matched by sustained investment in people and enterprise. Our partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation reflects a deliberate effort to expand opportunity while strengthening the communities in which we operate.”
Operating in OML 17, Heirs Energies has empowered over 500 youths through skills acquisition and enterprise development programmes, supported over 1,621 students with educational grants, reached more than 18,000 people via medical outreach initiatives, and delivered over 135 community infrastructure projects, with additional projects nearing completion.
Beyond its host communities, the company supplies gas to Nigeria’s domestic network, enabling over 350 megawatts of electricity generation to power homes, schools, and industries.
Through the TEF partnership, Heirs Energies supported 1,000 entrepreneurs in 2025, with 40% from the Niger Delta, including more than 150 from Rivers State. In 2026, it is supporting another 1,000 entrepreneurs, with half from the Niger Delta. Women account for 48% of beneficiaries, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive growth.
Heirs Energies said its continued collaboration with TEF underscores a shared focus on enterprise development, job creation, and broader economic participation across Africa.
