The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially opened applications for its 2026 entrepreneurship programmes, offering funding, training, and mentorship to young African founders across the continent. These fully merit-based opportunities aim to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, capital, and networks they need to build sustainable businesses and create jobs.
If you know ambitious young Africans with strong business ideas or if you are one yourself, now is the time to apply and share this opportunity widely.
Why Tony Elumelu Foundation Programmes Matter
Entrepreneurship remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth and job creation in Africa. Recognizing this, the Tony Elumelu Foundation continues to invest directly in people, ideas, and communities, rather than limiting support to specific sectors or regions.
Since 2015, TEF has:
- Funded over 24,000 entrepreneurs
- Trained 2.5 million Africans
- Helped create 1.5 million jobs
- Generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue
As a result, the TEF entrepreneurship programme 2026 consistently transforms lives while strengthening local economies.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (Pan-African)
The flagship Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries and all business sectors.
What Successful Applicants Receive
- US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital
- World-class business training
- One-on-one mentorship
- Lifelong access to TEFConnect
- Entry into Africa’s largest entrepreneurship ecosystem
This TEF entrepreneurship programme 2026 supports both early-stage ideas and existing businesses, making it ideal for founders ready to scale their impact.
Who Should Apply?
These programmes are ideal for:
- Young African entrepreneurs with strong business ideas
- Startup founders seeking seed capital
- Women entrepreneurs in green and sustainable sectors
- Youth-led ventures looking for mentorship and exposure
Most importantly, applicants do not need prior funding or elite networks. Instead, TEF focuses on potential, innovation, and impact.
Each Tony Elumelu Foundation programme delivers real capital, real training, and real networks. Together, they equip entrepreneurs to build businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive long-term growth across Africa.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with aspiring entrepreneurs, universities, incubators, innovation hubs, youth networks, and women-led business communities, or apply directly if you’re eligible.
Together, we can ensure that every young African entrepreneur has the chance to succeed.
Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
Apply via: www.TEFConnect.com
