FATE Foundation has trained 256,277 entrepreneurs in Nigeria over 26 years, cementing its role at the forefront of enterprise development in Africa’s most populous nation.
The non-profit has graduated 8,945 entrepreneurs from its flagship programmes since 1999, while reaching 247,332 more through short courses, self-paced learning and digital tools. Its podcasts and online platforms have extended that reach to over 1.7 million people.
These numbers span the 36 states in Nigeria including the FCT, as well as Kenya, South Africa, the UK, and the United States. Its alumni continue to create jobs, strengthen value chains, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s MSME sector.
Ayomide Akindolie-Igwe, executive director, FATE Foundation, said, for 26 years, the foundation has stayed true to its mission of harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians, to catalyse job creation and economic growth.
“As we mark this anniversary, we are celebrating our legacy and reaffirming the core mission that has defined our impact since inception,” she said.
“We remain committed to deepening our support for entrepreneurs by expanding digital inclusion, broadening financial access for women and youth,” she noted.
She added that the non-profit will continue to equip Nigerian businesses to start, grow, and scale sustainably in both local and global markets.
She appreciated the board, partners, volunteers and entrepreneurs that graduated through the programmes for their unwavering partnership.
“And to our team at FATE, past and present – thank you. This celebration, and all our accomplishments, would not be possible without your passion and tireless dedication.”
Over the years, FATE Foundation has pioneered several initiatives that have become cornerstones of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Bambo Adebowale, dean and director, The FATE School, said, “At the FATE School, we witness the power of entrepreneurship every day — ideas turning into businesses, and businesses into livelihoods.”
“Through our programmes, we don’t just train entrepreneurs; we catalyse growth, equipping them with the tools, networks, and confidence to build ventures that create real economic value.”
According to her, with the graduation of 8,945 graduates in 26 years speaks of the foundation’s reach, however, she noted that the impact lives in the businesses still standing, the jobs sustained, and the markets transformed.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
