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Tony Elumelu Foundation and UAE’s Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation Partner to Empower 1,000 Youth with $6m Deal

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In a landmark move aimed at strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has signed a strategic $6 million partnership agreement with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, an affiliate of Erth Zayed, to support 1,000 young African entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, and non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 each.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai by TEF Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, and the Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, His Excellency Mohamed Haji Al Khoori. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, and poverty eradication across Africa.

Speaking on the significance of this collaboration, Tony Elumelu emphasized that empowering entrepreneurs is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment in Africa’s future. He noted that providing African youth access to capital, mentorship, and resources was critical to unlocking their entrepreneurial potential.

He explained that such investments would not only create jobs but also drive self-reliance, stimulate economic transformation, and promote inclusive prosperity across the continent.

“Empowering entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic investment in Africa’s future. By providing the necessary access to capital, mentorship, and resources, we are unlocking the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, eradicating poverty, driving self-reliance, and paving the way for inclusive growth and prosperity on the continent,” Elumelu stated.

He further highlighted that the partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation is a direct reflection of their shared vision of fostering a new generation of successful African business leaders. He expressed confidence that the initiative would create a ripple effect of economic transformation across Africa, empowering entrepreneurs to build businesses that would contribute to sustainable development.

The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, known for its commitment to humanitarian and development initiatives, will leverage TEF’s expertise in entrepreneurship training, business management, and capital funding through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP). With a long-standing dedication to education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and enterprise development, the foundation has supported numerous developmental projects, making it a strategic partner in TEF’s mission to foster entrepreneurial success across Africa.

Since its launch in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme has provided over 2.5 million young Africans with business management training through TEFConnect, the foundation’s digital learning platform. Over $100 million has been directly disbursed to more than 21,000 African entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs.

Through its initiatives, TEF has lifted 2 million Africans out of poverty by enabling them to start and scale businesses. The foundation has also partnered with international organizations such as the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the IKEA Foundation.

This partnership marks the first collaboration between TEF and a Gulf-based philanthropic organization, further strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is currently accepting applications from young African entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. Through this initiative, successful applicants will receive business training, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders, access to global business networks, and $5,000 non-refundable seed funding.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply via TEFConnect before the March 1, 2025 deadline.

This partnership signals a major boost for Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, reaffirming the belief that empowering young businesses is key to sustainable development, job creation, and economic transformation on the continent.

How To Make Nigeria Great by Improving People, Processes and Tools

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Three things are required to build a nation or a company, and they are People, Processes and Tools. You can have the people but without the processes and tools, you will still fail. Nigeria as a country has the people but the other two are missing at scale.

Processes are the rule of law which governs an ecosystem. Processes are merit-based systems which push people to put their best capabilities. Today, all the startups are “Japa’ing” at a faster rate than our medical doctors and nurses are doing. Yes, due to Nigeria’s failing processes, investors want the startups to be domiciled outside Nigeria. And as the processes fade, we cannot easily deepen and renew our existing process capabilities.

When I was a student in FUTO, there was an Institute of Erosion Studies staffed by Germans (the office was after FUTO’s old SEET building). That Institute was used to ensure roads built in the region had quality to overcome terrible erosion. I knew because the then Director of Works is my kinsman. FUTO ran a robust consultancy which helped in building erosion-resilient roads. Of course, Nigeria happened and those workers left!

For Tools, you can have the people and processes, but do you have the tools? The tools are the platforms of commerce like postal systems, telecoms, electricity and those boring infrastructure systems. In 2022, South Korea’s total imports were $808.09 billion while Nigeria did about $60.35 billion for goods; South Korea is about 25% of Nigeria’s population. But if you check, South Korea imports were largely machinery, equipment, etc for production (i.e. Tools), while Nigeria’s were for finished goods. Also, in 2022, goods worth around $136.21 billion were imported to South Africa, with many of those industrial equipment.  Simply, Nigeria does not have the tools.

Some countries have processes and decent tools and then import People (think of Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE) and they are just fine. Some have tools and people even as they improve processes (think of India), and they look promising.  It is key to understand that the Processes are largely what works, on the grounds of pragmatism, and not an ideological partisan liturgy. Yes, you do not take a position, you focus on what is working. China has great processes. Germany has great processes. The UK has great processes. Because those processes work and they have the standard of living to prove.

Nigeria’s best leader is possibly going to be someone who can lead the nation to rebuild its processes and enhance the tools. It goes beyond building new universities to produce the People because this is a triple helix issue which must work symphonically to advance shared prosperity and abundance for all. I share a video here.

Baidu Plans to Release Ernie 5.0 AI Model Amid Rising Competition from OpenAI and DeepSeek

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Baidu is preparing to release the next iteration of its artificial intelligence model, Ernie 5.0, in the second half of 2025.

This development comes as Chinese AI firms accelerate their efforts to compete with OpenAI and other Western tech giants while also contending with growing domestic competition from emerging players like DeepSeek. The upcoming Ernie 5.0 is expected to feature significant improvements in multimodal capabilities, allowing it to process and generate text, images, videos, and audio seamlessly.

A source familiar with the matter described the upcoming version as a foundation model with advanced multimodal capabilities. This means Ernie 5.0 will be able to handle various types of content across different formats, such as converting text to video or generating images based on verbal descriptions. Multimodal AI has become a crucial factor in the competition among AI developers, with OpenAI’s GPT-4o, released in May 2024, setting a new standard in the field.

The announcement of Baidu’s latest AI milestone comes at a crucial time. Since launching its Ernie chatbot in March 2023, Baidu has faced increasing pressure from rivals within China’s AI space. The emergence of newer and more efficient models from Alibaba, ByteDance, and DeepSeek has challenged Baidu’s initial lead.

In January 2025, Hangzhou-based DeepSeek disrupted the market by introducing a highly capable open-source AI model that impressed users with its reasoning abilities and promised significantly lower costs than OpenAI’s ChatGPT. DeepSeek’s breakthrough caused a ripple effect in global tech stocks, underlining a shift in the AI industry.

Baidu’s struggles are also reflected in the stock market. While Alibaba’s shares have surged by 33% since the start of 2025, Baidu’s stock has only gained 6%, trailing behind Tencent, which has posted a 4% increase. ByteDance, despite being privately held, has continued to expand its AI-driven ecosystem, further intensifying the competition.

During the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Baidu CEO Robin Li acknowledged the fast-changing AI industry and highlighted the sharp decline in AI inference costs. He noted that the cost of running AI foundation models has been reduced by more than 90% within a year, leading to a proportional increase in productivity. Li emphasized that this rapid decline in costs is at the heart of innovation, making AI more accessible and scalable for businesses and consumers alike.

“We are living in an exciting time … The inference cost [of foundation models] basically can be reduced by more than 90% over 12 months,” he said, according to a press release of his fireside chat with Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE’s minister of state for artificial intelligence, digital economy, and remote work applications.

“If you can reduce the cost by a certain percentage, then that means your productivity increases by that kind of percentage. I think that’s pretty much the nature of innovation,” Li noted.

However, as Baidu prepares for the launch of Ernie 5.0, it faces the challenge of proving that its model can match or exceed the performance of OpenAI’s latest advancements. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has not publicly disclosed a timeline for GPT-5, but industry experts anticipate that its release could set new benchmarks in AI capabilities.

Despite the intense competition, Baidu has continued to expand its AI-powered services across various sectors. The Ernie AI model is already integrated into a wide range of consumer and enterprise applications, including cloud computing, search engines, and content generation tools. One of Baidu’s most successful AI-driven platforms is Wenku, which provides AI-assisted document and presentation creation. By the end of 2024, Wenku had reached 40 million paying users, reflecting a 60% increase compared to 2023.

To further enhance its AI business model, Baidu introduced new features to Wenku in January 2025, including AI-powered tools that automatically generate presentations based on corporate financial filings. This move aligns with Baidu’s broader strategy of monetizing AI capabilities beyond chatbot applications by integrating them into enterprise solutions and AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) offerings.

As the AI industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Baidu’s ability to maintain its relevance will depend on how well it executes the launch of Ernie 5.0. The model’s success will be measured not only by its technical advancements but also by its ability to attract businesses and developers seeking cost-effective, high-performance AI solutions.

From Zero to Viral: How to Dominate Instagram

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From Zero to Viral: How to Dominate Instagram

Starting your journey on Instagram can be pretty intimidating. After all, this is a pretty competitive platform with already more than 65 million active creators. But Instagram is certainly not just another social app.

It’s a hotspot for personal brands, businesses, and even creators and offers limitless opportunities to grow your presence. Of course, whether you’re a potential business owner or a content creator, understanding how to go viral on Instagram is quite useful.

Not just so that you can get more likes, but so that you can enhance your presence and create more opportunities for your brand. So, let’s look at what makes Instagram such a valuable resource for individuals who are willing to take risks.

9 Ways to Go Viral on Instagram

1. Buy Automatic Instagram Likes

 Buy Automatic Instagram Likes

To go viral, you need engagement, and you need it fast! The Instagram algorithm favors posts and Reels that get a lot of attention within a short time. That’s why many creator buy likes to give their content an edge. But for this tactic to work, you need to work with a trusted provider like GetAFollower.

They have proven to be the best in the game by offering authentic Automatic Instagram Likes from real users. They also offer exceptional customer support, secure payments, and a money-back guarantee.

Their service ensures your account stays safe while boosting visibility. Plus with automatic likes, it means that your future posts will also get the attention they deserve from the moment you post them.

2. Start with a Viral-Worthy Profile

Your profile is the first thing anyone who comes to your page sees. So, creating a profile that pops up is crucial if you want a real chance at going viral. Use tools like Instagram Bio Generator and Instagram Username Checker to create an eye-catching bio and username.

Your profile picture should be eye-catching and on-brand. It should also have a strong CTA to guide visitors to their next move. Aligning your profile with your niche draws the right crowd. Always remember that first impressions are everything, so make them count. Keep it fresh, engaging, and uniquely you!

3. Create High-Quality Content That Can Go Viral

If you want to go viral, you’ve got to create eye-catching content. Stunning photos and videos grab attention right away. Use editing tools to make your visuals pop—adjust brightness contrast, and throw in some cool filters. And don’t forget the captions!

Write creative and engaging captions that encourage people to share and interact with your posts. Funny, clever, or thought-provoking captions can really boost engagement. Keep trying new styles and ideas to keep things fresh. High-quality, engaging content keeps your audience coming back for more! You can also port for classic canvas wall art photos prints.

4. Tap into Trending Reels and Stories for Viral Growth

To boost your Instagram game, tap into viral features like Reels and Stories. Joining trending challenges and using viral sounds can skyrocket your discoverability. Create shareable short-form videos that your audience can’t resist.

These elements make your content more engaging and increase its chances of being featured on the Explore page. Post regularly to increase story views, use interactive stickers, and engage with your audience through polls and questions. The more interactive and trendy your content, the higher your chances of going viral.

5. Post at Times that Maximize Viral Reach

Post at Times that Maximize Viral Reach

You need to get your timing right to go viral on Instagram. It may seem like a small thing, but that can actually break or make your chances. To find out when your audience is most active, use Instagram insights. For most accounts, high engagement windows are usually the mornings, lunch hours and nights.

However, that can vary depending on your niche. Consistency helps, but timing is everything when aiming for viral reach. Posting when your audience is online is what actually boosts your chances of gaining traction quickly.

6. Use Viral Hashtags Strategically

Another way to increase visibility is by using hashtags effectively. Combine trending hashtags with niche-specific ones to target a broader audience while staying relevant. For instance, mix #ViralReels with something like #TravelTips if you’re in the travel niche.

However, avoid overloading your posts with irrelevant or banned hashtags as that can hurt your reach. Keep your hashtag game sharp and intentional. Also, research hashtag trends regularly to ensure you’re using ones with high potential.

7. Engage for Viral Interaction

Active participation is necessary to create a devoted community. After all, engagement goes both ways- you can’t just expect that people will engage with you if you don’t reciprocate. By leaving comments, responding to DMs, and holding live sessions, you demonstrate to your fans that you are relatable.

These exchanges have the power to transform casual followers into devoted members of a community. For instance, rewarding active followers with shoutouts or hosting entertaining Q&A sessions keeps your audience interested in your content. Interacting with your audience increases your chances of becoming viral, as they are more likely to share your content.

8. Collaborate to Create Viral Content

Teaming up with others can really boost your chances of going viral. Partner with influencers, brands, or fellow creators to create exciting content. Joint Reels, Instagram takeovers, or even collaborative posts can catch a lot of attention.

Take inspiration from viral collaborations, such as co-hosted challenges or giveaways. Partnerships make your content more dynamic and shareable. By pooling audiences, collaborations can amplify your visibility and boost engagement exponentially.

Planning the logistics ahead of time keeps the excitement focused on the audience rather than the process itself. Winners can be chosen using an Instagram comment picker that ensures fairness and removes any perception of bias from the selection process. This transparency helps maintain trust with followers and encourages more people to participate in future campaigns. Clear rules and consistent communication will make collaborations feel professional while still being fun and engaging.

9. Track Analytics to Fine-Tune Your Viral Strategy

Numbers don’t lie, and data is your best friend when optimizing for virality. Check your Instagram Insights to see which posts perform best. Look at metrics like reach, shares, and saves to understand what resonates with your audience.

Use this data to fine-tune your plan and replicate the performance of your top-performing pieces. Always be willing to adapt and experiment. Maybe people seem to like specific photo styles or caption tones more.

Keep what works, eliminate what doesn’t and always improve. Being data-driven can significantly increase your chances of going viral.

Conclusion

The thrilling process of becoming popular on Instagram requires imagination, hard work, and a little bit of technique. You’ll have no trouble increasing your visibility and reaching a wider audience if you adhere to the advice we’ve covered.

The most important things are to remain true to yourself, keep trying, and enjoy the process. You’ll get the outcomes you want as a result of your hard work. Take action now and make your Instagram account stand out!

Innovation, Growth and the Mission of Firms – Lecture Topic, Saturday Feb 15

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We will begin the live session at 7pm WAT on Saturday, Feb 15, 2025. Yes, join us as we open the Zoom sessions of Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16.

Sat, Feb 15 | 7pm-8.30pm WAT | Innovation, Growth and the Mission of Firms – Ndubuisi Ekekwe | Zoom link

Next week, two faculty members from Germany’s software giant SAP, and NATO Luxembourg, will teach. And upper week, our faculty members from Microsoft HQ and Tyms (Nigeria’s #1 accounting tech firm) will lead.

Tekedia Mini-MBA is current, fresh and timely.  Registration continues here