Heirs Energies has committed over $10 million to back 2,000 African entrepreneurs as part of its collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aiming to stimulate enterprise growth and job creation across the continent.

The 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) cohort features 3,200 entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, selected from more than 265,000 applicants. The cohort was officially unveiled in Abuja by TEF founder and chairman, Tony Elumelu, who highlighted that Africa’s future lies in empowering entrepreneurs to create businesses, generate jobs, and address local challenges.

Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, said the company’s investment reflects a deliberate effort to link sustainable energy development with enterprise growth. “Sustainable energy must go hand in hand with investment in people and communities,” he stated.

Heirs Energies, which operates in OML 17 in the Niger Delta, has previously supported over 500 youths through skills and enterprise programs, granted educational support to more than 1,600 students, delivered medical outreach to over 18,000 people, and implemented more than 135 community infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the company supplies gas to Nigeria’s domestic network, powering over 350 megawatts of electricity for homes, schools, and industries.

Through its 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 and women representing 48% of beneficiaries, demonstrating a focus on inclusive growth.

The company said its ongoing collaboration with TEF underscores a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and promoting broader economic participation across Africa.