Apply to the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
Applications Now Open: The 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
Are you an African entrepreneur with a business idea or a startup under five years old? This is your opportunity to join the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is officially accepting applications for its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative is designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund entrepreneurs who have the potential to transform the African continent through innovation and job creation.
What the Programme Offers
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package valued at significantly more than just the financial grant:
• Seed Capital Funding: A $5,000 non-refundable grant to help kickstart or scale your business operations.
• Business Management Training: Access to world-class online training on the TEFConnect platform, covering essential business modules like marketing, finance, and operations.
• Mentorship: Direct access to experienced business mentors who will provide guidance and professional insights.
• Global Networking: Inclusion in the vast TEF alumni network, connecting you with thousands of fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers across Africa.
• Market Access: Opportunities to showcase your business to a global audience.
Eligibility Criteria
• Location: Open to citizens and legal residents of any of the 54 African countries.
• Business Stage: Applicants must have a business idea or a startup that has been in operation for less than five years.
• Sector: The programme is sector-agnostic; applications are welcome from all industries, including Agriculture, Tech, Healthcare, Education, Fashion, and more.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs must submit their applications through the official digital home for African entrepreneurs, TEFConnect.
Apply via this link: https://tefconnect.com/home
Important Dates
• Application Deadline: 1st March 2026
• Selection Process: Applications are reviewed based on feasibility, market opportunity, financial understanding, and leadership potential.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your application today and take the first step toward building a sustainable business that contributes to the economic development of Africa.
