The Tony Elumelu Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 cycle of Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurship initiative. Specifically, this $100 million commitment is designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund 10,000 African entrepreneurs. Consequently, selected applicants receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to launch or scale their business ideas.
Program Overview
This is a holistic 10-year programme that empowers African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. Therefore, it is not just a grant; it is a 12-week intensive training course followed by mentorship. By joining, you gain lifetime access to the TEF Alumni network and the digital TEFConnect platform, which hosts over 1 million African entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits
The programme provides critical resources for early-stage business growth. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Seed Capital: A non-refundable grant of $5,000 (paid in local currency) upon completion of the training and business plan submission.
- Business Training: A world-class 12-week online curriculum covering marketing, finance, and strategy.
- Mentorship: Direct access to a global mentor to guide you through the business transformation process.
- Global Networking: Access to the TEF Forum, the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, an applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of an African country. Crucially, the business must be based in Africa and be less than 5 years old.
- Business Stage: Must be a business idea or an early-stage business (0–5 years).
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Location: The business must operate within Africa. - Sector: Open to all sectors (Agriculture, ICT, Fashion, Energy, Healthcare, etc.).
Application Process
- Deadline: March 1, 2026.
- Submission: You must apply exclusively through the TEFConnect digital platform.
- Stages: Application -> Training -> Business Plan Submission -> Pitching -> Seed Capital Disbursement.
