Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2026
Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading African private-sector-led philanthropic organisation empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, is inviting applications from innovators and early-stage founders with growth-oriented business ideas or existing startups.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a flagship initiative designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund African entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will benefit from a structured business training curriculum, seed funding, mentorship, and expanded professional networks.
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- World-class business management training delivered over a structured curriculum
- Non-refundable seed capital of up to USD 5,000
- One-on-one mentorship
- Access to key networks and market opportunities across Africa and globally
- Participation in the TEFConnect proprietary digital platform for business support and community engagement
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a scalable business idea or an early-stage company (typically 0–5 years old) operating in any sector
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Applications must focus on one business entity or idea only
- Businesses must be located in and primarily serve African markets
- Business activities must not adversely affect the environment, lives, or property
- Business ideas must be the original work of those making the submission
To apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, visit the official programme application portal on TEFConnect.