TEF-UNDP SAHEL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Background
The Sahel region has faced significant instability over the years, marked by socio-political unrest, economic challenges, and environmental crises. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria have grappled with issues ranging from insurgencies and political upheaval to severe climate change impacts that exacerbate poverty and displacement. These challenges have stifled economic growth and hindered the potential of millions of young people, leaving them vulnerable and without opportunities for advancement. The volatile environment has created an urgent need for sustainable solutions that address both the immediate and long-term needs of the region’s youth.
In response to these pressing issues, the Tony Elumelu Foundation partnered with the United Nations Development Programme in 2019 to launch the TEF-UNDP Youth Entrepreneurship Programme with the aim of fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic resilience across the Sahel and Lake Chad region. This was a timely and necessary intervention, as this initiative sought to empower 100,000 young African entrepreneurs from Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria over a decade, providing them with seed capital, business management training, and mentoring to transform informal business ventures into formal enterprises.
By prioritising African entrepreneurs as catalysts for economic development, the programme leveraged the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s proven approach to catalytic philanthropy, as well as its expertise and resources. This empowerment strategy not only aimed to alleviate the immediate economic hardships but also to foster a resilient and self-sustaining economic environment, transforming the lives of young entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential skills and financial support, uplifting local economies, and contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region.
Impact Assessment
To effectively measure the outcome of this intervention, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme engaged the services of independent auditing firm, Sages Consult Limited to research and publish an impact assessment that captures and highlights several significant outcomes, most important of which are:
1. The programme demonstrated a positive influence at every stage of interaction, from application through to the distribution of seed capital. This inclusivity extended benefits beyond the selected entrepreneurs to all applicants, indicating broader community engagement and empowerment.
2. Beneficiaries reported enduring improvements in their mindset, confidence, and business acumen, attributing these gains to the programme’s entrepreneurial training and financial support. Many entrepreneurs successfully transitioned from informal to formal business structures, leading to enhanced financial stability and increased profits.
3. Notably, female entrepreneurs saw substantial improvements in financial metrics, especially those whose businesses surpassed $100 monthly revenue, suggesting a targeted approach for future scaling efforts.
Overall, the programme not only elevated individual entrepreneurs but also enriched the quality of life for their households, as evidenced by improved access to essential services like housing, healthcare, and education.
In conclusion, the 2019 TEF-UNDP Sahel Entrepreneurship Programme effectively fulfilled its objectives by catalysing sustainable development through entrepreneurship. The comprehensive evaluation underscores the programme’s success in fostering economic resilience and community prosperity across the Sahel region.
Download the Full TEF-UNDP SAHEL Assessment Report
For more detailed insights, you can download the full evaluation report here. This summary highlights how the TEF’s initiatives have positively impacted entrepreneurship in the Sahel region, showcasing effective support for sustainable development.
