In a move set to redefine entrepreneurial opportunities for young Nigerians, renowned entrepreneur and global business advocate, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, has announced a fully funded international business trip for selected entrepreneurs from Ondo State.
The beneficiaries will travel to Ghana to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) — the world’s largest entrepreneurship event — slated for November 21 to 23, 2025.
Described as “an opportunity of a lifetime,” the initiative is aimed at empowering emerging business leaders through strategic exposure, global networking, and inspirational learning.
“I’m empowering some entrepreneurs in Ondo State with an opportunity of a lifetime: their first-ever international trip to attend a global event.This is about exposure to new ideas, access to global networks, and raising the bar of excellence,” said Dr. Francis.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival is a flagship international event that draws thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, startup founders, ecosystem builders, and thought leaders from around the world.
It offers a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, business visibility, and inspiration, especially for Africa’s rising entrepreneurial talents.
Dr. Summy Smart Francis is the founder of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.), the continent’s leading entrepreneurship platform.
He has served as Special Adviser to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and currently serves in the same capacity under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
He also chairs the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA), where he has played a vital role in training, supporting, and promoting youth entrepreneurship across the state and Africa.
With this latest initiative, Dr. Francis continues to champion entrepreneurship as a sustainable pathway to economic growth, youth empowerment, and continental progress.
Entrepreneurs from Ondo State who wish to benefit from this opportunity are encouraged to apply via the official link: www.summysmartfrancis.com/empowerment.
The selection process is expected to be highly competitive and will focus on applicants who exhibit strong business potential, impact-driven ideas, and a clear drive for global success.
Through this strategic exposure, Dr. Francis reaffirms his belief in unlocking greatness through visionary empowerment and global collaboration.
